http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/RSS.ashxAmerican COP March/April 2010 PagesTue, 02 Feb 2010 19:59:58 +0100http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=1Where Are They TAking My gun? $5.95 OUTSIDE U.S. $9.50 MARCH/APRIL 2010 W i n ! A Stu tActicAl PAckAge nning Magic Bullets aRe We tHeRe Yet? 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Only 50 practice rounds? MAGICBullEts?jOHn russO Duty ammo is closing in on this fantasy. ROhRBAuGh’sR9sERIEsMark Hanten a 7-shot 9mm that’s truly concealable. EAtINGlIGht?suzi HuntingtOn We aren’t talking salads here. WhEREAREthEytAkINGMyGuN?MiCHael Haag the forensics side of shootings. ExclusivE: Available online only at americancopmagazine.com! no prescription required! The latest cop optics. dave douglas 6 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=752 22 COLUMNS 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 hIGhtEChjiM DOnaHue CARRyOPtIONsMark Hanten PRIVAtEsECuRItyeD paluMbO OFFICERsuRVIVAljOHn russO REAlItyChECkIIClint sMitH stREEtlEVEljOHn MOrrisOn CARsANdCRAshEssuzi HuntingtOn 30 RESOURCES 58 66 sPOtlIGht AdINdEx DEPARTMENTS 10 18 68 REtuRNFIRE GOOdtOGOGEAR VANtAGEPOINt AstuNNINGtACtICAlPACkAGE! Pg 64 ON THE COVER 26 32 66 24 uNEthICAlBEhAVIOR 30 sIMPlEsERGEANt’sRulEs 32 duI:GAZENystAGMus 36 50ROuNdtRAINING 40 MAGICBullEts? 44 ROhRBAuGh’s9MMR9 46 FlAshlIGhts:lAtEst&GREAtIst 52 WhEREAREthEytAkINGMyGuN? AMERICAN COP™ (ISSN 1557-2609) is published bi-monthly by Publishers’ Development Corp., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. Subscriptions: One year (six issues) $24.95. Single copies $5.95 (in Canada $9.50). Change of address: four weeks notice required on all changes. Send old address as well as new. Contributors submitting manuscripts, photographs or drawings do so at their own risk. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. Payment is for all world rights for the material. The act of mailing a manuscript constitutes the author’s certification of originality of material. Opinions expressed are those of the bylined authors and do not necessarily represent those of the magazine or it’s advertisers. Advertising rates furnished on request. 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AMERICAN 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 INDUSTRY’S BEST BUMPER TO WE HAVE THE 5 YEAR BUMPER WARRANTY. STANDARD. THEY DON’T. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your new Getac fully rugged notebook is covered by a 5-year warranty that includes damage that occurs due to accidental acts and exposure to environmental conditions. That’s Getac’s bumper-to-bumper warranty.* For more information visit getac.com 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. *5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty available on Getac A790, B300, E100, M230 and V100 rugged notebook and tablet computers. For warranty terms and conditions visit www.getac.com ©2010 Getac, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Getac and the Getac logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Getac Technology Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. GETAC AD 4.625x7.5 COP.indd 1 NAtioNAL ADvErtiSiNG: 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA, 1/7/10 11:41 PM92128; (866) 972-4545; Fax: (858) 605-0211; anita@shootingindustry.com www.americancopmagazine.com SuBSCriPtioN SErviCES: . (858) 605-0202 EDitoriAL: . (858) 605-0243 e-mail: . editorial@americancopmagazine.com ProDuCtioN: . (858) 605-0207 e-mail: . production@americancopmagazine.com BooKS/MErCHANDiSE: . (888) 732-2299 e-mail: . rachelle@fmgpublications.com General Counsel/Legal Affairs: . Steele N. Gillaspey e-mail: . sng@g-glaw.com Express Service: www.americancopmagazine.com and click “contacts” CuStoMEr SErviCE ProDuCED iN tHE u.S.A. 8 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=9M&P 15 TesTed. Proven. selecTed. The American-made Smith & Wesson M&P15 duty rifle 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 USA2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=10RETURN FIRE If the conversation led to problems, I was always able to put in my report the conversation started out in a respectful manner and it was the inmate who denigrated the situation, not me. When I was a fresh-out-of-the-academy corrections officer at Solano State Prison in 1985, I was on the yard, observing inmates going back to their units after they left the chow hall. I saw an inmate throw some trash on the ground and that was a rules violation. Not knowing the inmate’s name I approached him and started the conversation with, “Sir, you need to pick up the trash.” A sergeant, who witnessed the conversation, later told me I shouldn’t start a conversation with an inmate addressing him as “sir.” The sergeant wasn’t aware I’d spent three years as an MP. Nonetheless, for 20 years if I didn’t know an inmate’s name, or in casual conversation, I said “Yes, sir” or “No, sir” to inmates. I did this for many reasons, but Measure Every Word one of the most important was if the conversation led to problems, I was always able to put in my report the conversation started out in a respectful manner and it was the inmate who denigrated the situation, not me. It also served to throw a “curve ball” to the inmate because he wasn’t expecting to be called “sir.” Thomas Hile Retired CDC-CSP-Sol. (Vacaville, CA) Harris, Missouri Comforting As you know, Clint Smith says carrying a gun isn’t supposed to be com- fortable — it’s supposed to be comforting. His words keep haunting me. As of late, I’ve been carrying either (or both) a 9-shot .22 semiauto pocket pistol and a 5-shot .22 micro single-action revolver. I fell victim to that comfort thing, but I now publicly repent! My 7-shot .357 revolver will be back on 10 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=11MEPROLIGHT. 25 years of bright ideas. Meprolight® night sights are 20% brighter than other brands and backed by the strongest warranty in the industry. Fixed and adjustable sets fit most popular pistols, revolvers, military rifles and tactical shotguns. M-21 reflex sights are battle-tested tough and operate without batteries. Featuring dual illumination from fiber optic and tritium sources, they provide a bright, dependable aiming point regardless of light conditions. M-21 sights incorporate a quick-release mount and a 3X magnifier is sold separately. Meprolight sights are available from Kimber® Master Dealers, as well as directly from Kimber. Available from Kimber, Dept. 280 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 (800) 880-2418 www.kimberamerica.com Kimber and Kimber of America are registered trademarks of Kimber Mfg., Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective companies. © 2010 Kimber Mfg., Inc.2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=12RETURN FIRE the hip with a speed loader, and that .22 auto in my pocket as a back-up piece. Clint, I thank you for troubling my conscience! I thought of the ultimate example of your wise words — “Doc” Holliday. From time to time this infamous killer actually carried a sawed-off double barrel 10 ga. shotgun concealed under his long, black coat. Can you imagine the discomfort? But then, what could be more comforting than a shotgun in one’s hands when the crap hits the fan? Jimmy Johnson Retired Sheriff’s Sergeant mational articles. Even my son who is CDCR asked me what happened. Like I said, pick up one of the first issues and see what you have watered down to Admin/PC friendly. There are few times I refer to my title; Dave (former editor) can call me by my name. But, I really don’t have the respect for you. You have taken something that was important to me, and others whom I respect (including my son who is at Pelican Bay). I don’t get upset, but this is a time that is worth it. David Moore Pin_1.6V 11/16/07 Chief of Security Montpelier Nut Co. Mr. Moore, As we always have, COP continues to run hard-hitting, tell it like it is articles on what’s happening in the world of law enforcement. Perhaps you missed some of them: “Is Your Body Armor Junk Or A Jewel?” and “Whatcha Gonna Do? Ethical Quandries” (Nov/Dec 2009), “Psychology Of Patrol and Officer Survival: Thorough Searches” (Sept/Oct 2009), “Rifle-Like Firepower, Le Mas Handgun Ammo” (July/Aug 2009), “The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center” (May/ June 2009), “Problem: Cyber Crime and Defense Attorneys: Do We Need ‘Em?” (Mar/Apr 2009), and the list goes on. These are but a tiny sampling of the in- Too PC? It’s with a heavy heart I inform you that I am no longer supporting AC. The heart and humor is gone. It has fallen in with all the PC gun mags. I have every issue since day one. Maybe you should take a moment and pick up some of those first issues. Under the old management things were talked about that were not PC, but then that was what the magazine said they were going to do. You have become too PC. You are printing more BS “filler” stories than infor- formational articles we’ve published over the last year. Are there some “BS filler stories” as you call them? No. But are there columns, features and news of a lighter nature at times — you bet; and they’ve been there since the first issue. COP was never intended to be — nor will it ever read — like a sole-source training manual. It’s written in plain language, for real people, and no whining is allowed. I make it a point to allow the writers to talk bluntly about problems in law enforcement, be it training, equipment, attitude or whatever. I demand 10:44 AM Page 1 solutions for probthey offer viable lems and not simply bitch for the sake of bitching. I ask them to be positive because continually reading about how bad such-and-such is or so-andso has it is depressing. Cops deal with enough anger in their daily jobs; they don’t need to read it in the pages of American COP Magazine. Professionals understand the difference between sensationalism — and controversy done just for the sake of it — versus pointing out shortcomings in a system or product and then offering positive solutions. The first is bad journalism — the second solves problems. If we’ve lost you, as a member of private security, it’s unfortunate. But we must be doing something right or CrossBreed Holsters LLC. ARE YOU TIRED OF UNCOMFORTABLE HOLSTERS? ARE YOU CARRYING A SMALLER GUN THAN YOU WANT TO JUST SO YOU CAN CONCEAL IT? I got my SuperTuck holster from you for my XD 4” back in February. I use it everyday 10 to 12 hours, sometimes tucked, sometimes not. 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, GET YOUR GUNS GEAR! IdbI# Why not try a CrossBr2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=13we wouldn’t be continuing to grow among law enforcement professionals. As for respect — you reap what you sow. SH The Whinery Us? Vulgar? I object to the use of the phrase “dickin’ around” used in the Jan/Feb Insider Ruminations in American Cop Magazine. I do not find value in vulgar cop-speak being used in a magazine. It is unnecessary to get the point across. It means that I cannot share the magazine with others. It makes all cops look stupid and vulgar. Having over 23 years on the job, I know cop-speak. I don’t need to read a magazine to get it. Stop sending your magazine. Take me off any mailing lists. Ernie Knight Plainfield, Illinois Cancel your own damn subscription! Sorry, but I always wanted to say that. In this case I’ll be happy to cancel your subscription, Mr. Knight, but please, oh please, answer something for me? How could anyone who says he’s got 23 years of police experience be offended by something as mild as “dickin’ around?” In my world, it came from the fact many detectives (“Dicks” for short) were always out goofing off. Hence, if you were “dickin’ around” you were goofing off. Were you mortified into near comatose stature when a suspect dared to mutter something as offensive as “Hell no, I won’t go!” as you attempted to cuff him? And do we even dare wonder what happened when someone dropped the f-bomb on you? Did you run, screeching down the street, rending your uniform and tearing your hair? Did your partners run to your aid clutching cold compresses to your brow, muttering, “There, there Ernie, calm yourself or you’ll get the vapors”? In all honesty, aren’t we all adults here? Can’t we use adult language? We were talking about moronic laws. Do you think it would have had the same impact had I written, “Golly gee willikers, we really need to remedy the appeal process”? No, Mr. Knight we need to stop dickin’ around and get serious about stupid laws. I’m astounded someone would choose to be offended by a phrase to the point of closing one’s mind to open discussion. SH Amen To That! I just finished reading John Russo’s Officer Survival column (“Emotional WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 132010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=14RETURN FIRE Wrecks,” Jan/Feb 2010) in which he discusses emotional wrecks and some of the causes. Having entered law enforcement in the 60s and still practicing today as a reserve deputy sheriff I cannot agree more. John nailed it in terms of explaining why some folks are just not cut out for the streets and how the system, in many places for years, did little more than reinforce their lack of suitability. I would add another point. It’s not just the fact some street cops are unsuited for the reasons John cited but, unfortunately, far too many of those folks have “Peter-Principled” their way up the ranks and many are now Chiefs and Sheriffs. The end result is “brass” that knows little or nothing about good street police work, that fails to support the troops when they are in the right if to do so results in criticism of them, and succumbing to political correctness to the point of abandoning most efforts to do good police work. In my day police leaders knew what it was like on the streets, and while they did not tolerate misconduct they were not afraid to tell politicians the way things were — and needed to be. It cost a few chiefs their jobs but they didn’t roll over and fail to live up to the oath of office they took, as some do today. There are many ramifications to the points John made and I laud him for making them. Jerry Boyd Retired Chief of Police Baker City, Oregon THE #1 CHOICE Voices Of Reason You people put out a great magazine. Suzi’s Insider Ruminations in the Jan/ Feb 2010 issue has hit the nail on the head! The prison system needs a massive overhaul. The part of pumping money into studying laws instead of using it for adequate staffing of the parole agents and corrections officers is the truest statement ever made. I also have a question for Jim Tindal in response to his statement, “During his time at the jail he is not on the job. He orders take out.” Exactly what does he mean by that? Does he sit around and eat instead of monitoring inmates? Thanks for such a fine magazine. Douglas Meserole Corr. Lt. Illinois Dept of Corrections Well I certainly hope Jim Tindal doesn’t just eat instead of monitoring the guests at the inn. I took it to mean he no longer had to catch ‘em WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2010 FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • Impressive Expansion • Certified Lead Free • Optimal Soft Tissue Penetration • Solid Copper X Bullet • Superior Hard Barrier Penetration Premier Products from 605.347.4544 • 800.626.7266 • 14 corbon.com2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=152010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=16SPECIAL 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 SUMME R 2009 • VolUM MbER E 1 • NU 12010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=17RETURN FIRE on the street and enjoys having them brought to him. I dunno, maybe he’s got a point. SH Suzi was again spot on with her threat assessment of the criminal justice system. After 30+ years behind the badge I’ve found there are some people who cannot be “fixed” or “treated.”. One appeal is enough . or sometimes, too much. Depending on who they are, they’re likely to continue to hurt, maim and kill while behind bars. Mike Trotta Retired MCSO Deputy Sheriff La Pine, Oregon As a seventh grade History teacher, I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to get 12-13 year old kids to understand the basics of the Constitution of the United States of America and the Bill of Rights. I know you get the First and Second Amendments, and hopefully the Forth through Eighth as well, given your previous vocation. However, based on your editorial (Insider Ruminations, Jan/ Feb 2010), it seems you might not quite have the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America down. It’s understandable, really, most people, including Congress, seem to forget it along with the Tenth Amendment, but I’ll give it a whirl. First the text, “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” I know, you may be thinking, “Okay, so what? What’s your beef?” Well, there’s this one sentence towards the end of your editorial, “None of that other stuff is a right, I haven’t found any of the creature comforts we give inmates anywhere in the Bill of Rights.” While I agree with your conclusion, I find fault with your logic. The Ninth Amendment was put into the Bill of Rights for a reason, to protect those rights not specifically stated. Many of our Founding Fathers were worried people would see the rights listed as a limitation of our God given Rights, and with good reason, as it is happening in our Nation as we speak. I’m not saying inmates, or anyone else for that matter, has the right to cable TV, high speed Internet, exercise equipment or any of the other luxuries they’re given, just that we do have rights beyond what is specifically spelled out in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I am also a little concerned about the “one appeal” before execution concept as well, mostly because of my concern WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM over who might be making those decisions and the extremely remote possibility we might execute an innocent man. Not opposed to the death penalty, which I agree is underutilized, just want to be darn sure before we use it, though I do agree that it takes far too long, even when we are sure. In any event, I do enjoy American Cop as well as GUNS and Handgunner, and a special thanks to all in the law enforcement community, especially the COs. Robert Cowles Las Vegas, Nevada Robert, I admire you for your work as a teacher. Like being a cop, yours is another one of those jobs that often leaves people wondering about your sanity for having chosen such a profession. Many of us do it for the small victories and it’s those small rewards that keep us going. I’ve researched the Ninth (and Tenth) Amendment and while you’re correct to point out TV, exercise equipment, etc., are luxuries no matter if you’re a prisoner or a free man, there’s nothing to support any of it as a right. Maybe the bigger lesson here is society needs to stop confusing luxuries with rights? SH Reading Suzi’s editorial reminded me of how whacked out the lawmakers in California really are — or maybe not. Passing more and more gun laws causes people who are not really determined to exercise their Second Amendment rights to just not bother with gun ownership. Plus, if you place nearly impossible to meet requirements on manufacturers, like laser engraving the tip of a firing pin, gun makers just won’t sell their product in California. California is a huge market for almost everything, and losing that market just might cause some to go out of business; maybe that’s the real intent of 2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=18G2G GOOD TO GO GEAR Meyerco 18-XrAy AutoMAtic Knife John connor FIELD TESTED D E in the Until very recently i haven’t been a fan of automatic knives. more than once i’ve wished i had one instantly available, but problems in their designs kept me from carrying one regularly. Those without blade-locks were either too sensitive, deploying with a casual bump, or not sensitive enough, requiring too exact an angle and force to deploy. Those with supplemental blade-locks just added another separate manipulation to get `em into play; unacceptable for “urgent need.” meyerco’s 18-XRAY has none of those faults, and several advantages. This design by renowned knife maker Darrel ralph features an action that is both extremely safe and lightning fast. The SAS — Slide Auto System — combines a positive lock and blade deployment in one operating button. As you present the knife, you slide the button forward in its channel about one-quarter inch, then press down — into the frame — and the blade springs open and locks. it’s a natural, intuitive movement, but one you can hardly replicate with incidental contact. repeat the slide-and-push to unlock and fold it. The blade itself is tough 154cm steel, ground in a fine taper from base to tip, with your choice of a classic Bowie or modified Tanto profile. it’s just under four inches long — perfect — and its overall length opened is 87/8 inches. The body is hard-coated aircraft aluminum; fittings are stainless, and it weighs 5.2 ounces. The pocket clip can be set for tip-up or tip-down carry. Finally, the texture of the handle is like very fine garnet paper or sharkskin, providing an excellent grip. Overall, it’s a superb choice for duty at $349. For more info: www.darrelralph.com night cougAr BinoculAr night Vision goggles By Atn John connor 0350 Blade // S30V stainless steel with Tungsten DLC coating, 3.25 in. (8.3 cm), .121 in. thick Scales // Textured G-10 in matte black 4.625 in. (11.7 cm) Overall // 7.75 in. (19.7 cm) Lock // Locking liner Weight // 5.6 oz. zerotoleranceknives.com 800.325.2891 if you’re looking for a night vision device (nVD) but you don’t have several thousand bucks layin’ around, ATn’s Night Cougar might be a great entry-level choice for you, for several reasons: First, they list for only $569; second, they’re binocular, giving far better depth perception than singlelens types. Although they’re called “goggles,” they can be used either handheld, just like using field glasses, or hands-free using the included comfortable head-mount. The unit weighs only 1.75 pounds, so it’s not like wearing a brick. This is a “Generation One” device (think of “generations” in terms of increasing effective range) but performance is much better than the original Gen-1 devices like the old “Starlight” `scopes. The Night Cougar has a detection range of 150 yards and recognition range of 100 yards. it’s a “total darkness” nVD — many are not — thanks to an onboard ir illuminator, and range of focus is one meter to infinity. The housing is fiberglass reinforced plastic and weather-resistant. it features simple digital controls, and the front lens system is a fast, high-resolution F1.4, 35mm setup. All six optic elements are multi-coated glass. Focus is manual, and the diopter adjustment can tune it for your eyes. runtime on a single lithium cr123 battery is 10 to 20 hours, depending on use of the ir illuminator. Forget a two-semester course on operation: The Night Cougar is very easy to set up and operate. Simple, relatively inexpensive and capable, this is a good “starter” device, and one which will continue to serve you well even after you predictably step up a generation or two. For more info: www.atncorp.com WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2010 U MA SA 18 American Cop 1.3V.indd 1 1/8/10 12:35 PM2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=19i think i’ve worn out more patrol bags than some rookies have worn out socks, and some have hit the dumpster before their time. Too small, way too big, nearly indestructible but heavier than the gear i put in `em, or the zippers gave up just about the time the bottom was rippin’ out. if your old bag is ready for a “cash for clunkers” program, Hatch won’t pay you for your old bag, but they’ve got a nice one waiting for you: The D1 Patrol Duty Bag. The D1’s size is a just right 25 inches long, ten inches wide by twelve inches high. The fabric is 840-denier treated water-resistant nylon with a PVc backing, so it’s both light and durable. The main interior compartment, which is 18x8x12 inches, has an adjustable divider and removable rigid bottom, two zippered cargo pockets and six pen/pencil pockets. Access is made easy by two zippers surrounding the top, so it opens up completely, like it’s a big padded lid. Outside, there are two zippered cargo pockets, two flip-top pockets and three open-top pockets. Additionally, there are hook-and-loop straps on top to secure a flashlight or baton. Strap handles and a removable nylon shoulder strap are your carry options. When i first saw the D1, i thought somebody must have taken a patrol officer’s gear, dumped it out and said, “Okay; exactly where should what gear go, for accessibility and protection?” What a radical concept in patrol bag design, huh? i checked a half-dozen online sources and found the D1 priced from $39.95 to $45 — not bad at all for the quality. For more info: www.hatch-corp.com D1 PAtrol Duty BAg By hAtch John connor corP. MVf-515 MoDulAr VerticAl foregriP — neW! froM John connor criMson trAce Why take up three chunks of rail on your Ar with a flashlight, laser and vertical grip when you can get all three in one unit? The new MVF-515 by crimson Trace is a totally integrated light and laser-bearing foregrip, which gives you three programmable modes: momentary, strobe, or constant-on. You can select use of the light, the laser, or both via independent power switches, placed so they cannot be accidentally nudged on or off. You can “lock out” one or the other at will, if you like. independent and ambidextrous activation switches on both sides control the light and laser. i found them to be easy to use and fairly gloved-hand friendly too. The light is a replaceable 150-200 lumen LeD module. rotating the light body can vary intensity, though i think most users will just keep it cranked to maximum. The beam, a balanced spot-and-corona, seems very suitable for both room searches and longer-range outside work. The red laser is a powerful 633nm beam, fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The body of the grip bears reinforced nylon panels, aggressively textured on the front and back. Activation switches are covered and protected with rubber overmoldings. The full-length core tang is hard-coated aircraft aluminum, and the recoil lugs and hardware are Parkerized steel. A two-screw Picatinny rail mount keeps the unit rock-solid in place. Two cr123 batteries provide over four hours of light illumination, and a minimum 48 hours runtime on the laser. An infrared laser is available to Le agencies. Overall, it’s a light, strong and nimble chunk of technology selling for $469. For more info: www.crimsontrace.com * 19 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=20HIGH TECH JIM DONAHuE CuTTING EDGE WIDGETs — AND OTHER NEW sTuFF. Gattaca? Ending ThE namE gamE ave you ever found yourself on a stop talking with someone who just happened to have forgotten his ID? “Honest officer, I left it at home” or “I lost it.” You ask all the usual identifier questions — who are you, when were you born, where do you live and what’s your SSN — only to have the guy stumble and stammer through the series of questions as if your mere presence made him so nervous he couldn’t remember who the hell he was. By now the alarm inside your brain is going off; this guy might be lying to me. You can go one of two ways; finish the ticket or field interview and let him go on his merry way (because you’re lazy, or whatever excuse you choose) or you hook him up and take him to the station for fingerprints and a more thorough investigation. The latter choice requires more time and depending on what you wanted to do for the next few hours, can be a pain in the butt. Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply get a fingerprint right there at the scene and have it analyzed while you wait? Wouldn’t something like that save a boatload of time? Sounding like something Fast and right out of the movie Gateasy — the Verifier Mw can help you identify a potential suspect. But remember technology never replaces good police skills; it only augments it. H taca, Crossmatch Technologies has introduced The Verifier Mw — the “Mw” stands for mobile wireless — a handheld, mobile, wireless fingerprint scanner. It talks to the patrol car computer using any number of methods, Bluetooth, 802.11 or for those of you who aren’t wireless, a USB cable. When the Name Game begins you can grab the Verifier and get an impression of both index fingers of Mr. Dirt Bag. You don’t need to roll the finger like on an old-fashioned print card, just a simple straight-up impression. Tuck him into the back seat of your patrol car and work on a report or whistle a tune while he sweats it out — awaiting his true self to be discovered. The Verifier Mw, at about $2,000, brings the national fingerprint database into the palm of your hand. nce the Verifier has captured the prints, they’re transmitted to the department servers and compared against the local database and if necessary, in AFIS. If you have a state database like California does, they can be checked there too. The response time varies depending on the databases to be accessed, but the average time seems to be around ten minutes. The information returned can be as basic or complicated as your agency chooses. If your subject has no record, has never been fingerprinted or is clean (for the moment) the response will be something like “No Hit.” “Hit” information can include a mug shot, DMV photo, rap sheet data or whatever your software has been set up to provide. The handheld device has a pretty small screen so I’d suggest coding hit information. Depending on the level of the hit, you won’t be distracted trying to read the information on the tiny screen, you’ll know to get cover rolling and then when everything is safe, look at the response on your car’s computer. The Name Game ends. Chalk up a win for the good guys. A pal of mine from a suburban Detroit community told me he used the scanner with a guy who seemed okay on the surface, but ended up arresting him for a warrant; NCIC returned a list of 28 aliases he used. Amazingly, the model citizen had memorized the names, DOBs, addresses, etc. of his ten closest relatives. He was good — but not good enough for the Verifier. 20 Portable Lie Detector Other COnsiderAtiOns O A subject I detain can also benefit from the Verifier because I don’t have to transport him anywhere to check his story — he can be released there instead of from the station, and in less time. Identifying a murder victim can be faster where no ID is on the decedent giving investigators a head start on their case. This device can change our jobs for the better. And I’m not a guy who has to acquire 2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=21New Loads for 2010! A stunning breakthrough in personal defense ammunition design. • The patented FTX® bullet will expand reliably EVERY SINGLE TIME! • Optimized propellants burn quickly, reduce recoil and limit muzzle flash to protect night vision. • Shiny nickel cases resist tarnish and greatly enhance low-light chamber checks. 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. 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NEW For 2010 • 357 Mag • 12 ga 00 Buckshot • 40 S&W • 45 Auto PO Box 1848 Grand Island, NE 68802 308-382-1390 www.hornady.com2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=22FigHting Back H MARK HANTEN FROM HOLsTERs TO HAvERsACKs. CARRY OPTIONs ere I sit again, writing about active shootNo junk in ers just days after a my trunk — crazy shrink snaps, when all hell and kills 13 people and breaks loose wounds over 40 others at Fort I’m good to Hood Army base in Texas. It’s go. I keep my somewhat ironic it occurred BLACKHAWK! within a few miles of the Luby’s S.T.R.I.K.E. massacre in Killeen, Texas Tactical Armor on October 16, 1991, where Carrier in George Hennard systematically ready-to-use condition. It shot and killed 24 patrons who holds my soft had the misfortune of stopbody armor, ping there for lunch that day. my armor It’s important to note the only plates and all reason more people weren’t the other tools killed was because a Texas DPS I need to get Trooper chased Hennard’s sorry into the fight. ass into a bathroom where he shot himself. I think the most important point about the recent massacre is Major Nidal Malik Hasan, who appears to be a Muslim down unarmed soldiers. Another parallel extremist, was the fact he was shouting point which is tremendously important “Allahu Akbar” repeatedly as he gunned is, like Hennard, Hasan was stopped by a cop. Had Sergeant Kimberly Munley not immediately gone after Hasan, the death toll would have been significantly higher. couple of issues ago (Nov/Dec o why the soft armor and the 2009, “A Plate Carrier For Paplates? Because I’ve already trol”) I talked about plate carriers established you’re not on patrol, for uniformed officers. Today I so chances are you’re not wearing want to talk about a plate carrier for any armor. Soft armor gives you much officers not working patrol — officers more coverage than a plate in the event who might be off duty, or working your opponent is only carrying a handgun. a plain-clothes assignment. In those And let’s face it; most active shooters are environments they may be armed Protective Products International makes still using handguns, although I think the with little more than a pocketknife tide may be turning on this, and the best great ballistic plates. They also offer a and a cell phone. Ideally they’ll have option is to have both. Is it heavy? Hell direct sales program for police officers. the rest of their all-hell’s-brokenyes, it’s heavy! And if you’re anywhere loose gear in the trunk of their cars and have what they need near deep water spend a few extra bucks and get the S.T.R.I.K.E. to respond appropriately to an active shooter. Cutaway Tactical Armor Carrier — it has a quick release strap The idea here is simple; throw on a vest, grab your carbine incorporated into the design for complete removal of the vest in and go. That’s all the time you have if you want to be able less than three seconds. to save lives. So when you throw on that vest, it better have When it comes to outfitting my vest, I like to keep it what you need already on it. That’s where something like a somewhat simple. BLACKHAWK!’s SERPA S.T.R.I.K.E. BLACKHAWK! S.T.R.I.K.E. Tactical Armor Carrier comes CQC Light Bearing Holster allows me to carry a Glock in. Essentially, this vest system carries soft body armor, front 17 with a Xiphos weapon light on my chest. Elsewhere I and rear plates and is covered in MOLLE webbing front, carry two extra Glock mags, four AR-15 30-round mags back and sides. There are other vest systems on the market (in addition to the two in my AR), cuffs, a SureFire light, a sharing these basic features, but I must say, the extra tough radio and a Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T). BLACKHAWK! construction sets this vest apart from many Regardless of the system you choose, make sure of the others. When BLACKHAWK! says it has a heavy duty you have some way to respond drag handle, I’m rest assured knowing someone could actuto an active shooter. ally drag my butt out of harms way with it. a Mark’s setUP S Two-‘Fer * 22 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=23Al Mar Knives Our Sere Operator knives are handmade to exacting standards, assuring the highest quality in the industry. Excellence m o r e Mini SERE Operator™ 4” Blade SERE Operator ™ 5” Blade l e a r n @ w w w . a l m a r k n i v e s . c o m 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* Rock river Arms / ELITE CAR A4 / AR1225 NEW! LE Shown with optional Operator stock Home NEW! OPERATOR STOCK Hunt Target EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT at www.rockriverarms.com Or CALL 866.980.ROCK (7625)2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=24PRIVATE sECuRITY ED PALuMBO IssuEs AND TRENDs ON THE PRIvATE sIDE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. Credibility lost Unethical Behavior he conduct and progress of a professional investigation is subject to many influences. Whether or not the objective is met — finding missing persons, embezzled funds, artifacts stolen from heavily guarded museums, evidence of public employee malfeasance — may have more to do with the origination agency than the quality and abilities of the investigator. Not only is the hiring agency the source of funding (in most cases outside of law enforcement) but also the point of origin for both purpose and direction and, for better or worse, occasionally the most compelling aspect of the case. A police detective, or private investigator, may find herself struggling against the greater force when dealing with their employer, as opposed to the natural, expected elements hindering, or fostering their fieldwork. Interfering “bosses” and unclear direction often clouds the role of the investigator. As mentioned in this space in previous columns, any person who is compelled to hire a private investigator must do their homework before making an informed decision; this is no less critical for the investigator, to know and understand who is hiring them, and why, before signing a memorandum of understanding and generating billable hours. — straightforward, modest yet dependable revenue — is not so tough: We haven’t seen or heard from our 20-year old daughter in over a year, and want to know she’s okay; the P&L for my business is way off, revenues and new business are up, but there’s no money in the account, where did it go? In the public sector case distribution can be as simple as the Monday morning assignment routine; a senior detective or squad sergeant assigning cases to all dicks (with luck and no hard feelings, everyone’s load is just about equal). But what happens when a case is proffered from an unknown or untried source? Does revenue trump logic in every case? Imagine if you were tasked to carry out the orders of this group — “As set forth in House Rule X, Clause 4, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform may, at any time, conduct investigations of any matter regardless of whether another standing committee has jurisdiction over the matter.” This is from Congress’ oversight committee, declaring in no uncertain terms they can investigate what or whom they want and invest as much money (i.e. tax dollars) as they see fit and there is no recourse. No one in their right mind would work for these people, yet there’s never a shortage of investigative resources Congress will tap to execute their mandate. T sLiPPery sLOPe ot to be too gentle about it, but maintaining a subsistence-level stream of revenue can be a compelling argument. Raymond Chandler, a most unconventional source for 21st century detectives, put it this way, “The only reason I took the job was because my bank account was trying to crawl under a duck.” This, of course, invites all manner of natural hazard as a dedicated dick tries to satisfy his client and not get arrested or subpoenaed by Congress in the process. To fathom why we take some cases N O ne of the world’s leading investigation companies claims a client list composed of many of the world’s largest and most prestigious corporations, law firms, sovereign governments and agencies and high net-worth individuals. Considering how bold some of these “hiring” entities are, coincidentally, among the most disreputable organizations in the world, responsible for every type of public and private misadventure, from illegal wiretapping to insurrection and collapsing large chunks of the world’s economic foundation, why would someone willfully work for them? In essence a private investigator has no obligation to insure his client is as pure as the driven snow, only that the agreement is based on sound legal and financial principles and the work product is created and submitted within accepted business ethics2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=25International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) April19-24,2010 WestinChicagoNorthShore-Wheeling,IL who attended the 2009 ILEETA Conference can’t be wrong! 800 Instructors “The best training conference to maximize today’s training budget” Chief William L. “Bill” Harvey Ephrata Police Dept. (PA) • Over120coursesandover20 certifications will be offered • Seethelatestintrainingand technologyfromover130vendors at the ILEETA Expo • Networkingwithyourpeersfrom around the world • Nopriceincreasefor2010-Sixdays foronly$345tuition • Competitiveevents,refreshments, hospitality and restaurant discounts • Formoreinformation,goto www.ileeta.org Wisdom and Courage Through Knowledge and Skill Register NOW! 262-767-1406 www.ileeta.org2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=26OFFICER suRvIvAL JOHN RussO GETTING HOME IN THE sAME CONDITION YOu WENT TO WORK IN. Is street sense DeaD? “ Considering all of today’s technology, this car is relatively simple — there’s only a computer and LoJack. hen I was a street cop, we didn’t have all this fancy technology to do the job for us. We had to actually get out and work the streets to find the bad guys!” How many times in the last 50 years have similar words been uttered by veteran officers? Every year it seems like we get some new piece of gear that’s supposed to make our job safer or easier, or at least make us more efficient. We didn’t have computers in the cars or in the report room when I was a baby policeman. When a call came in it was via the radio and you wrote down the information on your make shift center console (usually your lunch cooler with a clipboard Velcroed on top). Later, you wrote the report by hand, in black ink and prayed you didn’t make a mistake because White-Out wasn’t allowed. Things changed when we got computers in our cars and the report room — suddenly we were learning a whole new set of skills and efficiency increased. Protecting the public is still our primary duty and the best way to do that is to reduce crime, providing a safer community. Any cop worth his badge knows the best way to get this done is to put bad guys in jail. Fewer bad guys means less crime. But are all these new technologies and wonder-gizmos actually helping cops be better cops? If you don’t have good street smarts, can technology supplement or fill the void? W ersonally, I think computers have been a big help to us, but not all new technology has been a blessing. In talking to rookies and veterans alike, I’ve come to the conclusion there have always been and will always be cops who shouldn’t be wearing a badge at all. They’re the ones who almost get you hurt because they’re not focused on the task at hand. And they’re the ones who wouldn’t know a felon if one jumped into the back seat of their police car. Luckily there are far 26 P You Can’t Fix Stupid Efficiency helpers: laptop computers, Bluetooth devices, digital cameras, pint-size flashlights and cell phones/PDAs. more great street cops out there, guys and gals who don’t hesitate to move to the sound of the guns — the protectors of society who live by a higher moral code and who stand by that oath taken so long ago. The key is to make technology help them rather than hinder them? One consideration with a new technology is the time it takes to learn and master the new system or wonder-widget allowing you to be more efficient. For most things like cell phones, new holsters, firearms, Continued on page 61 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=272010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=28STep - Up COuNsEL, WIsDOM, GuIDANCE AND TEACHING. REALITY CHECK II CLINT sMITH raining is a constant adaptation of using what resources you have to teach what you want your students to know or be capable of doing. The “doing” process in the field or in fighting needs to be rigidly flexible as fights are never the same from one day to the next and contacts, raids and warrant services never come out the way they were planned on the chalkboard. The ability to use what you have and teach students is probably a gift. I’ve seen million dollar ranges that were dysfunctional because the instructor spent more time having students move the stupid shooting benches back and forth on the 300 yard range than teaching them sniping skills. What a great example of people who could move tables but couldn’t shoot for crap — but then again, they were strong. I’ve also seen very modest ranges that truly shined because the instructors simply taught to the level, mostly fundamentals, of what they knew. So between instructions, the range facility and the props used, some pretty good stuff can come out of training without spending a lot of money. In today’s world it’s money most agencies don’t have anyway. There’s one prop I’ve used for nearly 30 years. It’s easily made, inexpensive and yet when used by a thinker can be applied wisely so students get something valuable out of their range time. You may think you’ve got a clear sight plane, but did you take into account the AR sight offset? T An inexpensive plywood wall such as this allows you to replicate similar shooting positions you might use when using your patrol car for concealment or cover. And you don’t have to worry about shooting up your cruiser during training. This is my least favorite position on the wall or vehicle because of the head exposure. 28 made my first stair step barricades in late 1983 because they helped me with rifle instruction and bluntly, their design was mostly to allow them to fit into the bed of my truck. Being on the road teaching out of a truck from 1983 to 1993 often I was required to generate my own world when it came to range props and teaching aids. Each step wall had five basic firing positions and most of my classes had ten people. Two clients at a time could work around a wall and each other in movement drills, firing two rounds from each firing point, making ten holes down range, which made for easy scoring I The Wall WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=29and critiques. The different elevations of each step make for awkward firing positions — which is a good thing and the walls could be reversed to push students outside their comfort zones in right or left-hand applications. This can get over engineered so I’d simply put up the walls and have the shooters use it regardless of whether they were right or left-handed. The wall addresses several training issues from movement and gun handling to odd firing positions. If a wall is placed near a vehicle it’s easy to see why it would work well in police training; its size and heights are close to what you bring with you for cover on a radio call … your car. You can use the wall as a rest or for support while firing, but common sense dictates you don’t allow the muzzle of the weapon to protrude into the fight without first knowing your environment. I do not advocate sticking the muzzle beyond or into an area that is not secure, i.e. a doorway into a room not yet cleared. Where’s Your Muzzle!? It’s not necessary to go to the wall or any structure to have it protect you from incoming fire. As long as you place the cover/concealment between you and the threat it’ll be helpful. Remember, walls and cars do not stop rifle projectiles, and I’ve said that so many times. In recent events many officers have been shot through walls and vehicles — a fact that needs to be reinforced in training. If you’ve ever read anything I’ve written, you know I’m hell on wheels about the damn muzzle-awareness and the AR offset of the sights. People and cops have been killed by other police because of the lack of awareness as to where their muzzle or partner was. Police have shot buildings and cars and killed bystanders because they forgot the offset. All of this is stupid. The wall shows you very quickly if the muzzle is not clear — it’s that splintered hole you just shot into it. A basic stair step wall is an inexpensive piece of gear that has lots of training value and can easily be made by anyone. Like any training, the wall is a representation of something you may encounter in a fight, so any exposure to it should give you a “step up”. That sort of falls under the premise, “forewarned is forearmed” — try out a wall and most of all, train safe. * To learn how to make your own stair step wall, go to www.americancopmagazine. com and click on Web Blast! WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 292010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=30STREET LEvEL JOHN MORRIsON sTRAIGHT TALK ON suPERvIsION & LEADERsHIP ON THE FRONT LINEs — THE sTREETs. SOME SIMPLE SERGEANT’S RULES n a recent e-mail from a reader, I was asked if I had some “simple rules” for success as a sergeant; dealing with issues other than training, tactics or administrative stuff. Many years ago, after reading Benjamin Franklin’s personal rules, I came up with sets of “Always” I and “Never” statements, kept them close at hand, and tried my best to live by them. Here are five selections from each, all tried and proven. Just one note of caution: Once you start acting on these rules, to stop is to sink, and to discriminate is to destroy your own program. aLWaYS be there when an officer returns to duty after a suspension. If you can’t be there, leave a note to be hand-delivered by another ranking officer. Welcome them back. let them know their penance is served and over — that you and their squad mates need and rely on him. don’t let him build a wall over the affair and steep in bitterness. The usual response is guarded avoidance on both sides, and that sucks, with negative fallout for both of you. aLWaYS know who your military veterans are and the nature of their service. on veterans day, thank them for their service, because otherwise the day may pass without another single living soul doing so. aLWaYS stand behind an officer going through divorce. do not allow it as an excuse for misconduct, but understand — and tell them — that even the seemingly smoothest of divorces carries a load of stress, frustration and feelings of failure. If they need time off, give it to them. sometimes, if your officer is the one whose actions caused the divorce, they’ll pour out to you what a stupid asshole they’ve been. empathy without sympathy is in order. Remind them they don’t exactly belong to an exclusive club, that learning from mistakes builds stronger character than never making mistakes. aLWaYS take action on births, deaths, marriages and moves to new homes within your squad. send a card if nothing else, make it personal, sent to their home address, not through interoffice mail. don’t intrude, but let them know you care about significant events in their lives. especially when an officer is moving from an apartment to a house, send a housewarming gift. several times I priced better-quality doormats and sent a gift card for the cost of a nice one with a note saying their new home deserved a new welcome mat, with my wishes the place would be a safe and peaceful haven for them. Try it. aLWaYS make a sweep of the station and grounds before leaving after shift. If you find one or more of your cops laboring late over a complex report or other problem, offer your help. Ninety-nine percent of the time they will demur, but be thankful you offered. When this happens, say, “The Rice Bowl and Burger King are a couple minutes away. Can I pick up something for you and bring it back?” one time in ten, they’ll take you up on it. Deliver, and tell em it’s on the house. aLWaYS be especially watchful for officers who have clocked out but are sitting like stones in their cars; maybe wiping their eyes as you approach. Put on your father-confessor-mentor hat and sergeant-UP. 30 ALWAYS BE THERE kNOW TAkE ACTION nEVER appear less groomed, pressed and polished than the neatest of your officers. If you have one who constantly displays extremely high standards, be thankful for that — and do as well or better yourself. Kid them about it in front of others, like, “Wilson, you really put the pressure on me, you know that? You’re costing me a ton of money in dry cleaning and shoe polish! good for you; I appreciate it.” nEVER let an officer’s service anniversary go by without taking personal notice of it — especially if it’s one that earns them another star on their nameplate or a sleeve service stripe. do it at lineup if possible, handing out that nameplate or stripe. If it’s for five or ten years, say, “Congratulations! any time now we expect yo2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=312010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=32CARS AND CRASHES suRvIvING IN YOuR MOBILE OFFICE. suZI HuNTINGTON Understanding DUI W hile some people believe the eyes are the windows to someone’s soul, I’m here to tell you they’re the windows to someone’s level of intoxication. The eyes don’t lie and will always reveal the true story. You need to have a keen eye for the clues they give. When I was a young officer I worked through the weekends on the graveyard shift in the beach area. Because of this I got to know and despise people who drank to excess. Weekends in the beach were a very non-scientific case study of all the stupid things I saw drunks do and say. Little did they know they were lab rats to me, coming from all walks of life — and many of whom were, in theory, smarter than the Keeping the tip of your pen slightly above the subject’s eyes forces them to open wider allowing you to see the HGN more readily. Keeping the eyes at this angle (with some white showing in the corner) for 3-4 seconds is where you look for distinct and sustained HGN. Gaze What? fools the alcohol made them appear to be. I moved to Traffic Division and worked the DUI Enforcement Team where I honed my detection and enforcement skills. I also took classes on DUI enforcement and participated in several alcohol studies. In my ongoing study of intoxicated drivers it was easy to see behavior and driving patterns develop. Fishing for DUIs in the beach wasn’t fishing at all; it was more like shooting a gun into a barrel full of fish. Those who stayed on the main roads were easy to spot because of weaving within their lane. Stop signs and red lights had little or no meaning to them, their headlights usually weren’t on or their windows were all fogged up from their breath. The more hard-core drinkers, and the ones with priors, tended to try to escape the beach using the side No, I didn’t bean Roy over the head with streets. They drove much a frying pan. He’s just talented(?) enough in the same manner as the to demonstrate something you could see, other intoxicated drivers, albeit rarely. Eyes tracking unequally could but they were more deviindicate a head injury or other medical conous — they knew from past dition. You need to clarify any preexisting experience they shouldn’t medical conditions or recent injuries. be driving. ield sobriety tests are par for the course on a DUI evaluation, but most patrol cops don’t understand the tests, i.e. what they’re looking for. Case in point, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) is an involuntary jerking or bouncing of the eyes while trying to track an object from a forward-looking gaze to the side. Nystagmus is a natural, physiological response to alcohol and while there are other reasons a person could have nystagmus, perhaps a more accurate term for what you’ll see on a DUI evaluation would be Alcohol Gaze Nystagmus. And as a rule, the more alcohol on board, the more pronounced and sooner the bouncing will occur. The other causes and types of nystagmus can get very technical and should be left to the attorneys and scientists to battle out. A good rule of thumb is if the subject has given you PC for a stop, smells of alcohol or displays other indicators of being intoxicated and has HGN, chances are you’ve got a winner. There’s no way to prevent HGN thus making it extremely important to look for and understand. It’s also your “ace in the hole” when dealing with an alcohol-tolerant driver a.k.a. alcoholic, who otherwise may not display gross coordination or balance impairment. F The EYES Have It roper administration of an HGN test is critical. Here are the proper ways to give the tests (there are four separate parts to an HGN test) and what you’re looking for. For all parts of the HGN test, the subject needs to keep his head still; moving his head is a clue all by itself he could be DUI because he can’t follow simple instructions. Using your pen or other similar-sized object, hold it about 12-15" from the subject’s face and slightly higher than his eyes. This elevated2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=332010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=34Mark Hanten 5.11 TacTical’s tactical’s Light LIGHT For FOR LiFe LIFE The UC3.400 and the PC3.300 — the first in a quantum leap in flashlight technology. Hexagonal bezels help keep your light in place when you set it down. Check out the three LEDs clustered together to illuminate a bright center beam. FLashLight FLASHLIGHT Batteries Not iNcluded had adopted the idea, and this amazing flashlight was soon to be in the hands of folks who could really use it. The UC3.400 uses “ultracapacitors” to store energy rather than traditional batteries and they’ll charge the light in 90 seconds from dead flat to full charge. I’m not a greenie, but I can appreciate throwing a bunch of toxic heavy-metal batteries in landfills isn’t a good thing. The ultracapacitors in this light are rated and have been tested to last 50,000 charge/discharge cycles, which is 50-100 times longer than current-technology rechargeable flashlight batteries. The light maintained 96-percent of its peak performance through the testing process. Unlike rechargeable batteries, which have to be replaced every couple of years ultracapacitors don’t degrade or develop a memory. The brochure puts it in perspective; 50,000 charges is one charge per day for over 135 years, so this may be the only flashlight you’ll need for the rest of your career. L 34 et me get this straight; there’s a flashlight that recharges in 90 seconds, holds a charge for over an hour, uses three very bright LEDs which are rated for 50,000 hours and doesn’t use batteries? Yup, it really does exist, it’s the most revolutionary flashlight to ever come along — and 5.11 Tactical had Modus Ops the vision and foresight to embrace the technology, The Light For Life offers several function modes. In stanpartner with the inventors, and bring it to market. dard mode (push and release the on/off switch), it will give When I first saw what is now the 5.11 Tactical Light For Life you two full hours of bright 3-LED light; a 90-lumen beam UC3.400 flashlight it was in the hands of one of its inventors, Da- for 60 minutes, 25 lumens for 30 minutes and 15 lumens for vid Alexander of IVUS 30 minutes. With a DC charger in your Energy — that was in Las car you can literally top off the light afVegas at the 2008 SHOT ter every call — in 90 seconds or less. Show. I immediately recBy continuously depressing the switch, ognized the law enforcethe “peak” mode projects 270 lumens ment potential of the light which is extremely effective for looking and a short 12 months further into the night and for keeping an later, at SHOT in Orlando, adversary on the defensive. At this level 5.11 Tactical announced of brightness you’ll drain the power from their partnership with the ultracapacitors in short order. There’s IVUS and the eminent a “tactical strobe” mode, which with two delivery of the UC3.400 quick presses of the switch will project a Old meets new — 5.11 Tactical’s Light For Life flashlight. I was thrilled to pulsating 170-lumen beam to disorient and UC3.400 and the Streamlight SL20 I won in the see a powerful force in the academy. Ultracapacitors versus battery technol- distract the subject on the receiving end. Continued on page 62 world of police equipment ogy creates a whole new ballgame. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=35Order 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 AH_1/2HZ_PersDef09.indd 1 3/18/09 8:37:58 AM2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=3650Rounds Opposite-hand firing is essential in case of injury or target access issues. t’s a constant mantra for American police, “Do more with less.” Today, with officers taking pay and benefit cuts it can be trying for LEOs to stay motivated and focused on training. Addressing personal fitness sometimes does not garner the attention it deserves for individual officer safety. Firearms and tactics training, which are almost always on the short end of the money stick, also take a solid smack in the mouth as the money crunchers manipulate money away from training to new light bars or something. It’s true there are many problems, but there’s also a need to consider moving forward. In that vein I thought to give you an example of a training block individual officers could implement at the range taking into consideration the limited supply of everything these days. I Proficiency in using either a weapon-mounted or hand-held light is a solid investment of time. Safety Although the forums are overflowing with experts who declare the use of the four firearms safety rules are archaic, a hell of a lot of people have used these rules to train thousands of people — safely. It’s darn hard to have something go wrong and not violate one of these four rules. It begs the question … how many people do you or would you trust behind you with a loaded gun from your agency? So love ‘em or leave ‘em, the rules work for the range and they work in a fight. 1. Treat all guns as if they are always loaded. 2. Do not point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. 36 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=37Clint Smith a MiNiMaList aPPrOach tO Practice Fighting from the ground is a reality and a skill cops must practice. The drawing stroke while in and around vehicles is another skill often not practiced enough. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you are willing to shoot. 4. Be sure of your target and backstop. Setup Dry practice is valuable especially if it’s done dry without ammunition. Apply the four safety rules and unload the gun in a safe direction before moving forward with a practice session. Re-holster (also smoothly), remembering in your world you may be required to reholster without looking at your gear and doing so with only one hand as the other may be busy doing stuff. Over the years many incidents of people accidentally shooting the gun have occurred while holstering the handgun not drawing. the trigger move slightly forward until it clicks or resets. After it resets an arch nemesis, the trigger “slack,” is out so confirm the sight and press carefully as required. This is a marksmanship exercise and I’ve never seen a tight group win a gunfight — but good placement is comforting. Since you’re shooting you might as well shoot good. Ready A defensive posture, the ready in your world, should be based on your environment, not a specific technique. I would keep the gun between you and the threat. Logic would dictate you not lead the muzzle around corners, and if in close proximity to bad people you’d be well advised to create some distance away from these threats. Right Hand This can be done from the ready or from the holster and eventually you should do both. Drawing smoothly, roll your right shoulder forward “behind” the handgun, as it were, and carefully press the trigger. Auto pistols are recoil operated and recoil guns work best if they have solid resistance. The pistol for a right handed person may have a slight lean left on the sight picture and this is mostly due to the natural curve of your arms so I simply don’t fight, I just roll the shoulder forward and try to use the sight as well as I can. The sight lean thing is for right-handed applications. In the left hand, the sight may lean to the right, but not to worry the shoulder rolling behind the gun helps to reduce 37 Drawing No matter how good of a shot you are, you cannot shoot until you get the gun out of the holster — so that makes this action sort of important. The fastest draw is to have the gun in your hand to start with so there you go. With the retention systems of today you need to practice drawing to assure if the pistol is really needed you’re up to the drawing task. Draw the pistol smoothly, the speed everyone’s in pursuit of comes with time and repetition. Drawing fast is related to shooting fast and as of today I can find no one who ever saw a stop watch in a fight. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM Singles And Trigger Reset After loading the handgun safely from the ready bring the handgun on target and press the trigger carefully while aligning the sights. As the pistol fires maintain rearward pressure on the trigger. After the pistol fires reconfirm the front sight and carefully let2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=38the threat instead of eye humping the magazine well. It’s beyond foolish if you don’t know where the magazine well is on a handgun you’re planning on saving your life with. I understand, to a degree, competition and “looking” at the well. I don’t understand looking for a threat most of my life and then taking my eyes off said threat One-handed firing is a fundawhile a fight is going mental skill for police. on. Logic and reality will advise you not to recoil and add control. Left hand, or off- put your unprotected head up in a fight and hand for most of us who are right-handed, it’s a self-curing problem if done while gun access to the holster or developing a way to fighting. You’re not training for a competiget access to the holster needs to be consid- tion though … ered. Unsnapping belt keepers and rotating the belt on the waistline to bring the holstered handgun to the working hand should Malfunctions be considered. Most of this stuff concerns Most malfunctions come from the opinjury so it might be addressed from ground erator, the choice of ammo or magazines. positions or there may be a need for con- I would not train to throw away partially sideration for a second gun with easier ac- loaded magazines. If the magazine was cess for the left hand. If there’s a question bad to start with it should not have been about doing this safely as you learn to do in the gun. If the gun fails to fire I would this stuff, use an unloaded gun so as to limit tap the magazine base to confirm proper the blood stripe potential on your lower leg. seating, cycle the action to load the gun More than one cop has killed himself by ac- or clear obstructions and fire. If it does cidentally shooting himself in the legs and not fire, unload it and reload and shoot as groin area. required. I would not tip or roll the gun to “clear or help” the extraction/ejection process. The gun was upright and ejectEmpty Load ing just fine until it quit running and it Bluntly, I’d shoot the handgun in a fight was cycling fine without the roll. until I won or it went empty. Empty guns The pistol has three apertures: mag themselves are not so much bad luck — it’s well, ejection port and muzzle. The magawhat’s done with the gun when it’s empty. zine well is the biggest opening, remove I would keep the muzzle in the direction the magazine from the pistol and cycle of the target and reload while watching the action and let the crap “flush” from the bottom. Stylized techniques are okay if you can confirm you’ll always fight with your gun … otherwise these actions will clear all the pistols on the planet you can take the magazine from. Head Shot The headshot by LEOs is the most important single shot they will ever fire. LEOs would never shoot this shot unless everything they fired into the body of the threat had not worked and the threat was still coming — or it was the only available target to them. The headshot must, in practice and in application, always be perfect — always. Zone Shots Humans have three armored zones: the head, the chest and the pelvis. The pelvis is the biggest bone structure and the area that moves the least if the threat is moving, which it often is in a fight. At short range if a fight started the pelvis is easier to hit and heavy in structure. The head, on the other hand, is smaller, armored of a fashion and moves a lot. The closer it is to you the more the range of motion there is. Historically, we never shot the center of mass “because it was good,” we shot it because it was big; and the old “tactical” center of mass had the same issue as the head as far as excessive upper body movement. A good plan of personal defense would include all three zones as they might be available. Rights & Lefts Leaning right or left over imaginary lines representing corners, doorways or cover allows the shooter to use protective cover while getting the most access to the target. Every attempt should be made Practice the draw stroke, as it is essential to personal defen2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=39to minimize yourself as a target. People will shoot you because they see you; they see you because you let ’em. The days of standing clear of cover or concealment should be long over. The other side has figured out they can shoot through stuff and they’re doing it everyday. often turn into gunfights and possible gunfights turn into fistfights — you’ll have to be able to do both well. Transportation Mobility is an issue as it is — how LEOs get where they go, so they can do what they do. Confirm hand placement Considerations of stopand trigger finger placeping the car (so it doesn’t ment. Shoot, use and be roll away), disengaging aware of trigger reset. the seat belt (so you’re not trapped in the car), opening the car door (so you can get out) strong or off-side draw. Fire five rounds total. and drawing the gun (without shooting From the ready with only one round in yourself) are all components that need to the pistol, shoot the pistol. When the slide be practiced and be part of a law enforce- locks to the rear, reload by empty load, conment officer’s skills set. firm the sight and shoot one more round. Do this two or three times. Practice some malfunctions. Unseat The Course Of Fire the magazine and fire two rounds. As you This course of fire can be done at any know, it will only fire once then go click. reasonable range and can be used at dif- Seat the magazine, cycle the pistol and ferent distances as skills develop. Dry (no shoot one more (this is also referred to as ammo) or live (the loud one, with ammo); tap, rack and shoot). Stick an empty case do it one way or the other. in the pistol ejection port (also known as Applying the safety rules, draw the pistol a “stovepipe” or type-2 malfunction). The from the holster and fire one round remem- gun will not fire when you try to so cycle the bering to get a second or follow-through slide and fire one round. sight picture. Work to press the trigger and Place an empty case in the top of your reset the trigger without “bouncing” your magazine. Fire the chambered live carfinger off the trigger. Repeat four times for a tridge; when the pistol cycles, the empty total of five rounds. case will foul the pistol. Clear it and fire one Draw the pistol with one hand (strong- round. If you have a range shooting partner side) and fire one round. Remember second have them help you with set ups. Use nine sight picture and trigger reset. Repeat four or ten rounds for this part of the drill. more times for a total of five rounds. Drawing from the holster or from the Draw the pistol off-hand (if it’s not pos- ready shoot one perfect headshot. Repeat sible then draw strong-side and transfer the five times. The headshot needs to be perfect! gun to your off-hand) and fire one round. Drawing from the holster or from Sight follow-through and trigger reset. Hol- the ready fire one round in each of three ster retention type and size may dictate a zones of natural armor. You can change the order of delivery but plan on none of them working in a fight and be ready to do it better or again — or go get a bigger gun. Do this three times. From the holster or the ready, lean way right or way left simulating the use of cover and/or concealment. Do three single shots right and three single shots left. Do all of the above with a gun-mounted or handheld light as would be feasible. Practice from the ready or drawing carefully to shoot the parts of this drill feasible from the grounded position. Practice your manipulations in a vehicle; drawing, seat belts and door openings Leaning is — dry is best in the beginning — and regood as it gardless be careful to control the muzzle. teaches the This is far from perfect but if you use of cover or practice it a few times it will help with concealment. manipulations and marksmanship. In the world you live, if you are forced to deploy your gun and fire it, nothing will change unless you hit your target. Lateral Movements Lateral movements comprise a large part of movement bot2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=40Magic “H ey Sarge, you seen that new bullet by Big Bang Tactical Voodoo Ammunition? It’s supposed to go around corners, punch through cinder block walls, expand to twice its diameter and stop inside the heart on every shot!” Okay, I’m exaggerating a little, but every year I hear something like this from an officer who read the latest gun magazine and saw a new ammunition advertisement. Or worse, they talked to a friend of a friend of somebody’s cousin who’s an expert who told them the ammo cops use is junk and should be using this new stuff. One thing I’ve learned over the years is handguns, in general, are not the best platform for instantly incapacitating a human threat. However, they’re the best platform officers have with them at all times — so we must work with what we have. We’ve seen the bullet evolve from lead balls, to jacketed solid points, to various versions of expanding tips. Hollowpoints in some variation continue to dominate the market along with a Some of today’s sub-compact autos, like this Springfield Armory Sub-Compact XD in .40 S&W, compare handily in size to that classic of all compact cop guns, the S&W J-frame. When you take advantage of modern gun design, avail yourself of matching, high performance ammo. 40 Bullets? Winchester John Russo Not Quite But close few innovative expanding solid-point designs. We’re constantly looking for that magic bullet, secretly knowing it’s akin to finding Atlantis. Thanks to the hard work of modern ammunition manufacturers, we’re inching closer to it. We might even be in the golden age of ammunition making because never before have there been so many good bullet and cartridge choices by so many different companies. Here’s a look at what’s available along with some personal experience thrown in. The Ranger “T” Series is the flagship duty ammunition from Winchester and the SXT bullet has been redesigned to provide even more reliable expansion and penetration. This bullet has proven itself time and again in real world situations WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=41Rifles don’t own it all — smart cops still rely on the able assistance of their shotguns. From controlled pattern buckshot, special breaching slugs and “Green” ammo from ICC, the shotgun still shows its versatility. The .308 is the backbone of the modern tactical team and ammo offered by the likes of Federal, Speer, Black Hills, Hornady and others help to deliver the performance demanded by today’s situations. From heavy to light bullets, the .40 S&W has proven itself to be a solid performer in the field. Take advantage of today’s new offerings to upgrade your duty ammo options. Even the tried and true .30 Carbine has been updated. Speer’s hot new Gold Dot .30 load brings the classic G.I. carbine into the 21st century. High performance ammo has even brought the often-demeaned .380 into the limelight. Offering solid bullet performance and velocity, modern .380s loads can be relied upon for reliable backup when you need it most. and continues to impress. I’ve shot and accurate slugs including seen it in action on numerous frangible designs. occasions and it lives up to all the hype. In addition to today’s Federal popular duty calibers, Winchester also offers it in .38 SpeFederal still has the popular cial and .380 Auto. With the inTactical Hydra-Shok bullet in creased variety of small, pocket loads from .380 to .45. But the .380s many of the officers from new king at Federal is the Tactimy agency carry one for their cal HST and was the brainchild of off-duty or back-up needs. We Larry Head and his crew. When recently conducted a ballistic Federal advertises it as the “next While the .40 is a staple of today’s police, the workshop to test various .380 generation in high performance 9mm still holds great respect and rides on patrol rounds and the Winchester SXT in hundreds of thousands of holsters. With today’s duty ammunition” they aren’t was the clear winner. I’ve never blowing smoke. This round is high-tech ammo, the stopping power difference between the calibers is negligible. been a huge fan of smaller caliimpressive. It gives great penbers but this bullet gives me etration with awesome and relisuch confidence that I now carry a RuWinchester’s been making shot- able expansion. What’s really amazing ger LCP on a regular basis. gun ammunition for over 142 years. is even though it’s not a bonded round For rifle ammunition, Winchester They’re offering the Ranger line in var- it performs almost as well as one. I’ve continues to offer their excellent Ranger ious loadings of tight shooting buck- seen it go through glass and repeatedly .223 with the Nosler Partition Bullet. Along with this they still offer the Frangible SF, Penetrator, Ballistic Silvertip, Pointed Soft Point, Power-Point and a Boat Tail Hollow Point. I’ve heard rumors of a bonded round coming soon. For the .308, they have their Supreme Elite round with the XP³ bullet as well as an accurate Boat Tail Hollow Point. The XP³ bullet is a great choice for defeating Virtually every maker today has its own idea about the shape and perfortough barriers while still achieving penmance levels of their bullets. This is just a small cross-section of hollow point etration and expansion into soft tissue. designs for today’s 9mm loads. Take your pick — they’re all good nowadays. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 412010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=42Cutting edge ammo technology circa 1945. The proliferation of police rifles in .223 has sparked an explosion of specialty .223 ammo. From Hornday’s groundbreaking TAP ammo and ICC “Green” environmentally friendly ammo, to classic 55-gr. FMJ from Black Hills and Winchester, if you need it someone makes it. Increasing EPA standards mean ranges have to go “cleaner” as they train cops. Speer’s Lawman CleanFire ammo can help. Note how clean the “spent” cases are as compared to standard ammo. stay together. But if it’s a bonded round you want, Federal gives you the Tactical Bonded. This is made exclusively for law enforcement and maintains 100-percent weight retention through most barriers. For agencies not allowed to carry hollow point ammunition, Federal offers the Tactical Expanding Full Metal Jacket (EFMJ). This is a scored full metal nose over a rubber tip on top of a lead core. The intent of this bullet is to expand regardless of the barrier while providing optimum feeding in semi-autos. In the rifle ammo arena, Federal still offers their Gold Medal line, which is the industry standard for accuracy. For explosive expansion in .223s you can choose the .43 grain Tactical Lite Open Tip Match. But for most patrol rifle applications, agencies are going with the Tactical TRU or Tactical Bonded rounds in .223 and .308 calibers. The TRU round is available in various bullet designs and weights to meet most needs. Federal continues to be the leader in LE shotgun ammunition. Their Tactical Buckshot has always been a great round, This 1950s-era S&W Model 36 felt right at home with the vintage Remington ammo. But today’s small guns have a wealth of new technology to take advantage of, like this Federal Nyclad HP. but since the introduction of the Flightcontrol Wad, this thing is in a league of its own. For years we’ve taught the one inch per yard spread pattern as a standard for 00 buckshot. Though this is still a good safety practice to teach, the Federal Tactical is routinely turning in patterns of 4" at 15 yards. Most of our guns are even shooting 7" patterns at 25 yards from factory barrels. If you need a slug round, you can’t go wrong with the Tactical TruBall rifled slug. This is the most accurate slug round I’ve ever seen firing from smooth bore duty guns. A polymer ball locks the wad and slug together making this round shoot consistently every time. Speer Gold Dot is still Speer’s flagship line of duty ammo. This bonded round has proven itself time and again in holding together and expanding after defeating tough barriers. They make Gold Dot in all the popular calibers including the new .327 Federal Magnum and have taken it a step further by introducing the Gold Dot Rifle line of ammunition. Available in .223, .308 and even .30 carbine, it utilizes a bonded soft point bullet allowing it to maintain integrity while penetrating barriers. Speer is continuing to offer their quality Lawman and Blazer training ammo. COR-BON The big news at COR-BON is the DPX and Glaser Pow’R Ball lines of ammo. The DPX uses a solid copper Barnes X bullet designed for penetration and expansion. It’s able to go through hardened barriers and achieve penetration yet not over-penetrate when there are no barriers. The DPX can be had in all popular handgun and rifle calibers. The Glaser Pow’R Ball is a round-nosed bullet, which helps feeding 42 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=43Cutting edge ammo technology circa 2010. Today’s cops have access to bullets that are “almost” magical. The .45 ACP has a growing fan base and ammo from the likes of COR-BON, Winchester, Hornady, Speer, Federal and Remington keep it updated. It’s not your grandfather’s “Hardball” any more. dardized medium that most closely mimics the properties of muscle tissue when shot into. It’s not easy stuff to work with, especially if you’re not Black Hills proficient with it. But if you’re Black Hills has a history of looking for a quick and easy making top quality ammuniway to test some ammo, there’s tion for the sporting community. an easy alternative. Perma-Gel They offer various loads for duty is a synthetic, clear, non-toxic handguns and rifles, including medium for testing projectiles. The classic .38 Special hasn’t been ignored. Winchester’s 130-gr. Personal Protection ammo and ICCs the Barnes Tac-XP bullet for This stuff is great; it can be non-toxic frangible load keep the old warrior current. stored until needed, doesn’t dehandguns and over a dozen different bullets for the .223 alone. compose and can be melted and They will custom load to your you or your agency, you need to do some re-used. You can buy it directly needs so give them a call if you need research and testing. That means contact- from their Web site. something special. ing companies whose products you may As you do your testing and evalube interested in, sitting down with their ate new ammunition keep a few things reps and allowing them to educate you in mind. Bonded rounds perform best Hornady on their products. If you’re still interest- when shooting through tough barriers; Hornady continues its line of TAP ed, ask for samples to test in your guns. non-bonded rounds perform best when Close Quarters (CQ) ammunition. These There’s great ammunition out there, but shooting directly into bad guys wearing bullets provide a great combination of if it doesn’t function in your guns it’s normal clothing. Only you can decide penetration and expansion. TAP is avail- worthless to you. Once you know the what’s best for your agency’s needs. The able for handgun and rifle applications. chosen ammunition works, look into good news is there are enough choices Their recent introduction is the Critical conducting a ballistic workshop. The out there to give us all our Defense FTX line of duty handgun am- big companies do these all the time and own magic bullet. munition designed to achieve penetra- would be happy to have you attend. I tion while defeating barriers. recommend attending them as often as For more info: Black Hills, www.black-hills. you can and by as many manufacturers com; COR-BON, www.dakotaammo.net; as possible. You can always do your own Federal, www.federalpremium.com; HorRemington ballistic testing, but be aware it can be te- nady, www.hornady.com; Remington, www. Remington’s lead offering to the LE dious and difficult getting set up. remington.com; Speer, www.speer-ammo. market is still the Golden Saber. RemingYou’ll need ballistic gelatin, a stan- com; Winchester, www.winchester.com ton claims the technology of their Driving Band locks the jacket to the core and allows this bullet to achieve match-grade accuracy. Whatever it is, it’s working. This bullet is a consistently reliable performer While the guys and a great choice. Remington offers nuchasing Dillinger merous choices for duty rifles including used Peter’s the Premier Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded for Match in their .45s, today’s getting through the tough stuff. in autos while allowing slower controlled expansion. * How Do You Choose? I’ve highlighted some of the major players in the LE ammo game but this list is by no means all-inclusive. If you’re serious about getting the right ammo for WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM cop has a better edge, like this Federal HST. 432010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=44aN ulTImaTe off-duTY auTo Although small in the hand, the R9 is significantly more comfortable to shoot than a titanium revolver with equally potent loads. 0 Mark Hanten ROHRBAUGH’S R9 SERIES substantially narrowed the performance gap between larger and smaller calibers. They also know the 9mm cartridge has probably accounted for way more fatalities than all other handgun calibers combined. In my mind, the 9mm cartridge offers the best balance between magazine capacity and firepower of any round available. While that doesn’t necessarily make it the best cartridge for all situations, I think it makes it the best for a highly concealable worst-case scenario handgun. In real life, at least in my real life, sometimes I just need a very concealable gun. Where I live, it’s nearly 90 degrees today, and it’s the middle of November. Sure that’s unseasonably warm for this time of year even for my neck of the woods, but you get the point. Warm weather equals light clothing, which in turn, equals diffiThese finely crafted pistols are precision machined using state-of-the-art CNC culty in concealing your pistol. I don’t like being without a pistol. In fact, I really don’t like being machines. The quality shows from every angle. Mark’s ran 100 percent. without a pistol, and if you are among those of igger isn’t always better, yet when we’re talking us who like to identify ourselves as sheepdogs, then I expect you defensive handguns, we generally like big. Big don’t like it much either. I want you there with something to defend bore, big capacity, big performance, you know — yourself when that worst-case scenario happens to you or to somebig. And like most general rules, there are excepone you care about. tions and when it comes to packing a protection pistol, sometimes smaller is better. You just can’t Shooting the R9s always discretely carry a full size 1911, so you have to make some compromises. You have to make compromises in the numThe R9s shoots great. The R9s is the “sighted” version of the ber of rounds, compromises in the shootability of the gun, and, R9. It has a low profile rear sight groove and front blade sight mauntil now, significant compromises in caliber. chined into the slide. I didn’t actually shoot an R9 (without the While that debate will rage forever, most will agree shot sights), but after shooting the R9s, I can’t imagine why you would placement is much more important than the size of the round. get one without the sights. I understand this gun is designed as a They also know high quality controlled expansion bullets have last resort, up-close and personal defensive pistol. Several of the de- 0 B 44 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=45sign features are solidly is that important. based on that principle In fact, having and I get that. However, your slide lock the sights or no-sights back with no exissue is a no-brainer to tra rounds availme. They don’t proable is not nectrude enough to hinder essarily a good quick retrieval from a thing at all. recessed pocket. They In a gunfight are virtually snag-proof. I was in, I saw But the big thing is, they the suspect’s work! They work very slide lock back well. I was extremely and it changed impressed with its acthe dynamics of curacy, to the point it the fight in an elevated my view of the instant. The mogun’s overall usefulness mentum swung a notch or two. our way immeThis gun is a legitidiately. I suggest mate 7-yard eye-hole that for this type shooter. That might not of gun, running The R9s (“s” for sights) has a rear seem all that impresdry is something groove and front blade machined sive when you think you might just into the slide. The sights help to about the performance want to keep showcase the accuracy of this of some full size guns, to yourself. If surprisingly small auto. but this is a tiny gun. I I thought there can’t do that with my was a high likelittle titanium revolver every time. This little lihood I was going to be getting into a gunsucker shoots damn straight, and I can eas- fight, this would not be my primary weapily dream up a scenario where that would on. I am however, very comforted carrying come in very handy. it around with me to all those places where The R9s shoots very reliably too, the sheeple call me paranoid for carrying a and as comfortably as you could ask in gun — like my kids’ sporting events, relisuch a compact pistol. It still isn’t the gious services, friends’ parties, and fancy gun you would take out to the range restaurants. You know the drill. to pop off a couple of hundred rounds practicing combat handgun techniques. It’s definitely a back-up gun, Quality And Precision and there are some inherent design feaThe R9 and R9s are finely crafted tures based on that fact. At first blush, handguns manufactured with state of you might be slightly annoyed with some of these features. I was. Rohrbaugh’s R9 is a The old Europeanwork of art, and an style magazine release effective self-defense/ at the base of the grip is backup auto. downright inconvenient, and significantly hampers magazine changes. Likewise, the fact the slide doesn’t lock back after the last round is fired is inconsistent with my view of a quality combat handgun. But using a small amount of thought, I realized the inconvenient positioning of the magazine release wouldn’t be nearly as big of a drawback as the walk back to my car to get the spare magazine out of my glove-box. Same with the slide lock. The purpose of the slide lock is to facilitate the quick magazine change and to let you know when you are empty. If you don’t have any extra rounds with you, neither of these issues WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM the art CNC machines. They use only the best materials, including the highest-grade stainless steel and aluminum available. The machined G-10 grips are both rugged and attractive with the Rohrbaugh logo etched onto them. All of the edges are de-burred, and the lack of superfluous external levers and controls adds to the sleek and attractive package. The R9 and R9s are offered in a “Stealth” version, which sports a Diamond Black coating on the slide, or a “Stealth Elite” version, which has the Diamond Black coated slide sanded on the “flats” to expose the stainless steel for an attractive high contrast appearance. In any configuration, this gun oozes quality and precision and is right at home with Swarovski optics, Rolex watches and William Henry knives. Unloaded, the gun weighs in at 12.8 ounces, and measures 5.2" long by 3.7" tall. With a magazine capacity of six rounds, the R9 and R9s provide seven rounds of full power 9mm at your disposal. The combination of concealability and firepower are unmatched in the ind2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=46IllumInatIng W hen I think of today’s flashlight technology compared to what was around in the 1980s when I was issued my D-cellbattery-consuming Mag-Lite, all I can say is, “You’ve come a long way, baby!” I’m happy to see the progress made allows your hours of darkness to be much brighter and safer. My old Mag-Lite had a voracious appetite for those low-bid D-cell batteries my former agency provided, they had to be changed about every other night. And the light it shined was about as bright as a birthday candle. But that was then and this is now. Bulb and battery technology has improved by leaps and bounds in the recent past and significant improvements continue, seemingly overnight. Old incandescent bulbs became Xenon and LEDs. New bulbs are brighter than ever and LEDs last an eternity and are virtually indestructible. Currently, Cree high intensity LEDs are the best on the market. Batteries — you’ve got alkaline, Ni-Cad (nickel cadmium), lithium ion and NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries and all have seen huge increases in their lives. And now we’re even seeing ultracapacitor technology entering the flashlight arena. Does your flashlight use more than one battery, maybe two or three? It’s critical you understand the importance of changing all the batteries at once, not just some of them. Why? Because whenever you hear of a light exploding or catching fire it’s usually because of operator error; either the user only changed part of the battery load in the light, or 46 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=47lumens Feature-Fat suzi Huntington used knock-off (cheap) batteries. Either way, these are excellent examples of the Cheap Bastard Rule: If you try to do things cheaply it’ll cost you in the long run, and cops are notoriously cheap bastards. Spend the money on top quality batteries and when they need changing, change all of them. You should also look for batteries that have PTC (Positive Tempurature Coefficient) technology. Basically, PTC is a built-in safety device that limits the amount of current, which can be drawn, keeping the batteries from overheating and causing a catastrophe. Now add to the mix all the features many lights offer; one light comes with two switches, one on the barrel for constant-on and the other on the end-cap for momentary-on. Another requires you to press the on/off switch a number of times to work your way through low, high, strobe, blue and red modes. Still another must be operated with two hands to dial through the same series of modes. I’m waiting for a light that’ll require me to hop on one foot while rubbing my belly with my right hand and waving my light like Tinkerbell in my left before it’ll turn on. I wonder if some of the improvements really are just that — an improvement? Is there really a need for a strobe mode, or different colors? How often do you use them? When it goes to poop will your big paws that will now only function at gross motor skill level be able to press the switch to the mode you need? Let’s take a look at what’s available for your use. Hopefully we’ll help you process this feature-laden overload. There are basically four sizes today: Big (think Streamlight SL Series), Medium (like the Stinger), Small (like a SureFire Lumamax) and Micro (think SureFire Titan). While we can’t cover everyone and every model, we’ve tested a wide array to meet many different price points and this will give you a quick overview of these critical duty tools. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 472010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=48nsight Tech-Gear brings us the HX120. The hard-coat anodized aluminum light is 4.5" long, weighs 5 ounces and will give you about 120 lumens (peak) of light from a Cree high intensity LED for around 90 minutes (from a single DL 123 lithium battery). The end-cap switch works I n ew to the marketplace, Bluestone now offers an entire spectrum of metal-bodied lights using Luxeon LED technology. One of the more appealing features is the fact most of their lights use standard “D” and “C” sized batteries. Run times can be as long as ten hours or more depending upon the model, and their ruggedly simple rotating “on-off” switch is foolproof and fumble-free. Their heavy-duty rechargeable Model 957K22N delivers 1,000 lumens in a hand-held light and it comes with a built-in charger and spare battery. This one lights up canyons! www.bluestonelighting.com he HX150R from Insight Tech-Gear is just like the HX120, only bigger, and as the “R” suggests, it’s rechargeable. Coming in at 5.9" and weighing 6.5 ounces, the HX150R has a peak output of about 150 lumens from a Cree high intensity LED and can run t for up to 3 hours (on high). It offers the same five operating modes as the HX120 and comes with a lithium ion battery, charging kit and lanyard. Cost is about $180. www.insightlights.com a 48 nother strong contender in full-size lights is Nightstick’s NSR-9854. This is a 13.6", 28-ounce LED light boasting 300-lumens. There’s also a 400-lumen floodlight on the belly of the head. The light uses a rechargeable NiMH battery that’ll give you up to nine hours of run time depending on the mode you use and there are several modes to choose from: flashlight, floodlight and strobe. The NSR-9854 comes with a charger and adapter cords for both AC and DC outlets. Cost is around $180. www.nightstick.biz WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=49http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=49a the HX120 through five modes: constant-on, momentary-on, dimming (down to 1 lumen), strobe and S.O.S. Comes with a lanyard and costs around $150. For about $120, the HC120 abides by the k.i.s.s. principle; the end-cap switch gives you two modes: on and off, everything else is the same. www.insightlights.com lso new from SureFire, the A2 LED Aviator is an aerospace aluminum, 5.4", 4.3-ounce “dual output and dual spectrum” LED. The Aviator offers 120-lumen output for up to two hours on high, or 10-lumens for around 15 hours on low with beam color options of blue, green, red or white. “Lightly” push the end-cap for momentary-on low beam; push further for high, or twist the end-cap for both intensities in constant-on mode. The Aviator runs on two CR123A batteries and costs about $240. www.surefire.com he EDC 120T from Novatac has a lot packed into its petite 3.3" long, 3.1-ounce aluminum body. One CR123A battery or one lithium ion rechargeable battery will run the light for several hours, depending upon the intensity you choose. Using the end-cap button, you can cycle from high (120 lumens) to low (.3 lumens) or strobe. It’s one of the smallest multi-functional lights around, will fit in your pocket and costs about $130. www.novatac.com t or about $195, the new SureFire LX2 LumaMax will work well as a back up light should your full-sized light take a dump. It’s 5.4" long, weighs 4.2 ounces, is made from aerospace aluminum and runs on two CR123A batteries. The LED has two brightness levels; high gives 200 lumens of light and low gives 15 lumens. The end-cap offers two methods of operation; a push button switch gives you both intensities for momentary-on and twisting the end-cap will allow you constant-on in both intensities. Run time on high is about 2 hours, low is around 30 hours. www.surefire.com F B LACKHAWK! has several small flashlights in their gear bag. The one I particularly like is the Sentinel PL3-AA XTR because I like the body design; it fits my hand well. It’s just over 6" long, weighs 6.6 ounces and the 3-watt LED will put out 60 lumens for about an hour. The best part is it runs on two AA batteries so it’s super cheap to feed. The Sentinel is made from aluminum and costs about $155. www.blackhawk.com he Leupold MX series is remarkable in that they’re modular. You can basically “create” your own design. Offering outputs from 10 to 175 Lumens and burn times ranging from 64 hours on low to 3.2 hours on 175-lumen mode, these lights exhibit the high quality Leupold is famous for; and it’s obvious they have learned a lot about light transmission because of their work with optics! The setup shown here is around $290. www.leupold.com t WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 492010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=50http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=50s treamlight’s PolyStinger DS LED is a dual-switch, polymer bodied LED light. It’s about 8.5" long, weighs 11.9 oz. and uses a rechargeable NiCad battery that’ll give you a run time of 2-7.5 hours, depending on the mode used. Speaking of modes, this one has a few: high, medium, low and strobe, all of which can be accessed through either the end cap or head-mounted switch. Light output is 50-185 lumens depending on the mode. The light comes with AC and DC chargers and costs around $200. www.streamlight.com a lso from Nightstick comes a series of LED rechargeable polymer-bodied lights. At a hair over 9.5", I tested the NSR-9814 dual-light, meaning you can use the 160-lumen flashlight, the 200-lumen floodlight that directs a wider area of light from the belly of the head, or both. It’s dualswitched too, with one on the body and one on the end-cap; they work in tandem and can activate a strobe mode by holding down either switch. The NSR-9814 uses a NiMH rechargeable battery and can have up to a 6-hour run time depending on what mode you use. It’s about $120 and includes a charger with AC and DC cords. www. nightstick.biz n 50 ewly re-engineered, ASP offers the Triad. It’s still 5.5" long, weighs 5.4 ounces, is made from aerospace aluminum, runs for about 2 hours on two CR123A batteries and functions the same as before. The changes — Triad’s brightness increased to 293 lumens from just one Cree high output LED and changing from a parabolic reflector to a TIR (Total Internal Reflection) reflecting chamber. Google TIR for a physics lesson or just look at modern car tail/brake light assemblies to understand how it works. Cost is around $100 and the light comes with a detachable clip and lanyard loop with adjustable wrist lanyard. www.asp-net.com WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=51http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=51his full-size Streamlight SL-20XP LED has an 8-watt, 150-lumen halogen bulb and three, white LEDs producing 30 lumens. NiCad rechargeable batteries power it and you can expect about 90 minutes of run time. The SL-20XP LED has a polymer body, weighs around 16 oz and is 13" long. If you buy one at your local cop-shop they come complete with AC and DC chargers and will cost approximately $185. I used to carry an aluminum model, which is still available. www.streamlight.com t O ne of SureFire’s smallest, the T1A Titan, is a perfect pocket-sized light. It’s made from aerospace aluminum, is 3.25" long and weighs a mere two ounces. You’ll get 1-70 lumens of infinitely adjustable LED light for up to 60 hours from one CR123A battery. Expect about an hour of run time if you primarily use it on high. The Titan is around $240 and includes an adjustable lanyard. www.surefire.com ew from Streamlight is their “high performance” upgrade to their PolyTac LED. The new PolyTac LED HP is made from polymer, weighs 4.4 ounces and is 5.6" long. It uses a C4 LED that’ll give you around 150 lumens (peak) for upwards of 3 hours on two lithium batteries. An end-cap switch in either constant-on or momentaryon operates the PolyTac LED HP and it only costs about $75. www.streamlight.com n * 51 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=52http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=52Where Are They TAking My gun? Post-Shooting Forensics A firearms examiner needs to be familiar with a wide range of firearms, not just common duty-type weapons. This Walther PP in .22 LR is unusual but still needs to be understood. Bigger labs and regional ones often have very sophisticated equipment. Here, a forensic firearms criminalist uses a Forensic Comparison Microscope for a closer look at bullet marks. W 52 hether you work for a department having civilians or sworn in charge of your forensic investigation unit, there are certain common denominators throughout the country. Understandably, no matter what the circumstances of an officer’s shooting are, he or she will be justifiably upset, anxious, stressed, or worse. Now, let’s give you a glimpse into the opposite side of the coin, the view from the laboratory and/or the crime scene team. It’s in everybody’s best interest to understand the scene. Investigators are not there to be part of an emotional support team, or to befriend anyone. This isn’t an excuse for rude behavior, but rather an explanation that we do not — and should not — get caught up in either positive or negative rhetoric. As my dad (a senior forensic scientist) always told me, “We aren’t in the happiness business.” If our word is to be taken seriously and professionally, the competent investigator learns he can’t immediately take any one story as gospel and put on the blinders. So don’t take this personally. Having worked crime scenes, both fresh and old, in many different places, it’s helpful to have the officer’s and any other person’s accounts as quickly as possible so we can figure out what may or may not be in question. Many departments and unions immediately seclude the shooter(s) and no statements are given. Forensic types like me understand the reasons for this, but from the lab’s perspective, it can hinder the scope of our investigation if we don’t have some critical piece of information the shooter(s) or witnesses might provide. The Scene Work I’m often asked, “Why are you taking my gun? Where are you taking my gun? When can I have it back?” First and foremost, a firearms examination will document the condition of the gun upon receipt. This starts with a visual trace evidence scan. Here we’re looking for blood, tissue (close-in shootings), gunpowder particles, oil, dirt and damage. Then we proceed to check the load condition. So, if you reloaded, unloaded or changed your gun condition in any way, say so. It’s not a big deal if you changed the condition after the shooting, as long as we get the correct information. This can become very important at scenes where you or another responding person may have “made the gun safe” or checked the gun. As a non-officer involved shooting (OIS) example, it’s better to fess up to having opened the cylinder on a revolver at a suspected suicide, than to deny it and turn a simple suicide call into a homicide call because the fired cartridge casing isn’t under the hammer. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=53http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=53These bullets and cases often have stories to tell. Their careful collection and subsequent analysis can often clear the air on a police shooting incident. Michael Haag, BS Chemistry Forensic Scientist and Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner Here, an examiner collects “relatively pristine” bullets by firing into a water tank. These can be used later to compare marks on the bullets and cases with ones recovered at the scene. Also, use the correct department ammunition with your gun and spare magazines loaded to the correct level. It’s amazing how many times I’ve checked A crime scene investigators’ dream come true here. Two differofficer’s guns ent gun makes, and two different ammunition makes involved from numerous in the same scene. According to Mike this makes sorting out d e p a r t m e n t s what happened much easier than if the cops involved were all and found odd using the same kind of department-issued guns and ammo. ammo, reloads or low levels of ammo in a magazine. ammunition. If gunshot residue exams are Tactically, and for the sake of your lab required, or ejection patterning, it’s best to people trying to work the scene, load up! use the same batch of ammo for creating No matter how you do it, standardize how test patterns as was used in the shooting. you load. If you top off your magazine, The spares on your belt are our best source. chamber a round and then top off your As a side note, it’s interesting how magazine, stick to that routine. varied the policies are across the counBack at the scene, examiners will try with regard to whether officers are document how many cartridges are in allowed to carry personal guns or dethe magazine, if there’s one in the cham- partment-issued guns only. From the ber, what brands and types of cartridges firearm examiner’s perspective, the are present, if there are any jams, etc. At more diverse the guns are in a shooting this point, we’re pretty much done with event, the better. This goes for ammunithe gun at the scene. Only in rare cases tion as well. At the scene, if one officer will an officer’s gun be fingerprinted, as was shooting a Glock 17 with Hydrait usually isn’t in question he/she was Shok ammo, and the other was shootholding it. If a struggle over the gun took ing a SIG 220 with Gold Dot ammo, my place, then printing will be likely in order ability to quickly and accurately piece to attempt recovery of a suspect’s prints. the scene together is enhanced, even Don’t be surprised if the scene team if all I have is a fragment of a bullet. takes all of your additional magazines and In this scenario, I would have not only WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM a limited universe of manufacturing styles, but also a very easily discernible difference in the rifling characteristics present on the fragments. The Laboratory Work The amount of time your lab will keep your gun, if you’re going to get it back, will vary depending on several circumstances. Department policies vary across the country and if you have an issued gun, you may not get it back at all. You may just be issued another one. If the shoot is deemed “bad,” the potential for your gun, department or personal, to be retained indefinitely will of course go up. If gunshot residue tests or ejection pattern tests are to be done, your gun may be retained for weeks. If the laboratory’s backlog is large, or your department does not have its own lab and receives service from a distant provider, the amount of time the gun may be retained is indefinite. The number of examination types or questions posed about the shooting will increase the amount of time a gun is retained. So you see, there is no one answer. At a minimum, the examiner will fill out a worksheet on the gun, detailing its physical condition, collection location, mechanism type, brand, model, serial number and much more. Additionally, the worksheet will document what type of class, or manufacturing characteristics are present on the pistol. For example, common 532010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=54http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=541911 clones are six conventional lands and grooves, left twist, but not always. Your firearms examiner will also determine if the firearm is in proper working order. We are required to know and understand the working mechanisms of all types of guns. While most of us prefer to shoot your Sigs, glocks and H&Ks, we also have to be intimately familiar with Davis, Jennings, Bryco, Phoenix, intraTec — the list goes on. While most examiners do not pretend to have detailed knowledge of tactics or how to employ these tools, we do know significant amounts about how they operate, and what the forensic implications of these mechanisms are. You can absolutely be guaranteed your gun will be test fired. We collect known specimens, or test fires, of cartridge casings and bullets (correct terminology is an article in and of itself) because these are the items we compare to the evidence items and we must be certain they’re from the one particular gun in question — yours. The primary tool used for these comparisons is the Forensic Comparison Microscope, which is really two, high-magnification microscopes bridged together optically into one set of eyepieces so we may see two objects at once. In Depth There are several levels of examination the firearms examiner will conduct with regard to tool mark comparisons. First is a determination of whether or not the item in question retains any comparative marks of value. Cartridge casings almost always retain markings, but bullets may fragment on impact with different materials. if the small fragment collected is a portion of the ogive, or the curved area leading from the bearing surface (or cylindrical portion of the bullet) up to the nose, it would not have made contact with the barrel itself, and so markings would not have been transferred. Such items would be deemed “unsuitable for comparison.” This is not to say such items are not worth collection or examination. The types of issues raised in shooting events are often not limited to who shot what round. Trace evidence or terminal ballistics may be more of an issue. The second level of examination deals with class characteristics. All class characteristics must be in agreement from test to evidence for the examination to proceed. Examples of class characteristics for bullets are: caliber, number of lands and grooves, direction of twist and widths of lands and grooves. in other words, there is no way you can have a .45 caliber bullet with six lands and grooves fired from a .45 caliber barrel rifled with five right lands and grooves. Any unexplained difference in class characteristics leads to an exclusion result. The final level of examination is on the microscopic level and deals with the actual tool marks created on the casings 54 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=55http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=55HOSTAGE HOSTAGE HOSTAGE HOSTAGE HOSTAGE COMPETITOR X SUREFIRE X400® TERRORIST www.surefire.com/X400 ONLY ONE LASER WEAPONLIGHT HOLDS ZERO LIKE THIS. The X400 also has the brightest laser with the largest spot, allowing you to acquire it quicker, even in daylight. The powerful LED provides a smooth, white beam that will easily light up a large room and temporarily blind an assailant. The body is cut from hard-anodized aerospace aluminum and it attaches to Universal and Picatinny rails. Speed and accuracy. Guaranteed. For life.2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=56http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=56Operational Mindset, Operational Clothing Rugged, reliable www.eotac.com EOTAC and bullets by the tool, or in this case, the gun. This step often begins with the test firing of the gun into a water tank to gently capture relatively pristine bullets. Casings are collected from the floor. Once these test fires are collected, we will intracompare them to each other to “learn the gun,” how it marks, what marks are reproducing, and in what quantity. One gun may leave a unique, striated firing pin drag mark (recoil operated), while another may leave great impressed breech face marks. Not all guns reproduce, and not all guns leave sufficient marks even to identify one test fire to another test fire. Depending on the quantity and quality of these marks, examiners could spend days just looking at known specimens before proceeding to the comparison to evidence. Once we’ve “learned the gun,” we’ll proceed to comparing the known specimens to the unknowns, or scene items. if there is sufficient agreement in quantity and quality between the test fires and evidence items, we’ll come to the conclusion of an identification — “This fired cartridge casing from the shooting scene was fired in this particular pistol among all others.” if there are not sufficient markings, we come to a result of inconclusive — “This cartridge casing could be neither identified nor excluded from having been fired in this firearm.” Even if all the class characteristics agree, but there are significant differences in these fine, microscopic markings, we can come to a result of an exclusion — “This cartridge casing is excluded from having been fired in this firearm.” So, even if you and your buddy both shoot Springfield 1911s with the same ammo, we will typically be able, even with a small fragment from the bearing surface of a bullet, to say from which gun it was fired. Additional Time There are several types of gunshot residue tests that may be performed. First, a common point of confusion is the difference between primer residue testing, and gunshot residue testing. By my definition, primer residue testing is the elemental examination, usually using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), for minute particles containing the three mixed elements lead, barium and antimony. This is a well-founded scientific technique, but has limited use in prosecution due to its lack of specificity with regard to the mechanism by which these residues were deposited on hands, clothing or other surfaces. in other words, i can handle a gun that was fired a year ago and get primer residues on my hands. Gunshot residue testing is also called proximity testing, or distance determination. When a shot is fired, not only the bullet, but sooty/lead residues and partially burned and unburned gunpowder particles emerge from the muzzle. Think 56 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=57http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=57of this as taking a golf ball, some sand and some ash in one hand, and throwing them at the same speed. The golf ball will go furthest (the bullet), the sand will go the next furthest (the powder particles) and the ash will go the shortest distance (the sooty residues and lead cloud). Additionally, just as birdshot fired from a shotgun spreads out in diameter and decreases in density as the “muzzle to target” distance increases, the same goes for these gunshot residues. For a particular gun and ammunition combination, these patterns are reproducible. However, bear in mind your firearms examiner must create a set of known distance tests with your gun and ammo to find out what these patterns are for that scenario. Once the known standards are created, we can see where the unknown or evidence pattern fits into the bank of “knowns.” Typically, we will not arrive at a single distance, but will derive a range of possibilities for the muzzle to target distance. For example, a result may be, “For this gun and ammunition combination, the muzzle to target distance was greater than 3" and less than 12".” This same concept applies to distance determinations where shotgun pellets are concerned. Depending on the caseload of the examiner, it may take days or weeks before the work can be completed and you get your gun back. 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 “OPTIMUM”. THE WORLD’S BEST MAGAZINES Conclusion There are several basic things to keep in mind should you find yourself in the situation where your gun is being collected for examination. Scene and lab people may feel empathy and concern for the officers and their well being, but we have a technical, objective job to do requiring unbiased focus. Don’t mistake professionalism for a negative bias. Most officers would be surprised at the amount of information gained about a shooting by a competent, experienced reconstructionist or firearm examiner. So when giving a statement, be as accurate as possible, without embellishment. Be consistent and correct in your loading practices. Lastly, understand your firearm will be handled in a professional, careful manner while it’s out of your custody. * Mike Haag has spent 12 years with the Albuquerque Police Department Crime Lab, is an independent consultant, has been a guest on FOX News’ On the Record, and has worked cases across the nation and internationally, including the attempted presidential assassination in Taiwan in 2004. Mike also instructs shooting reconstruction classes across the country and internationally. www.forensicfirearms.com, Michael.haag@comcast.net WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 572010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=58http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=58SPOTLIGHT Hi-litE anD Vision alpHa scout FolDEr 5.11 Tactical The Alpha Scout Folder features an easy-to-maintain AUS8 blade steel, a 3" flat-ground blade, 4mm blade thickness and comfortably shaped .08" G10 scales. It has open liner lock construction for easy cleaning and 4-way ambidextrous clip options for greater convenience. Found on the Alpha Scout, the Blade-Tech V-hole shape was intentionally designed for operators to grip your thumb during the opening motion. This knife and handle was specifically designed to be smaller and more compact — perfect everyday carry. To see more log on to www.511tactical.com. 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Other features include: dual opposing extractors for reliability, heel magazine release to aid in magazine retention, dovetailed aluminum front sight, Picatinny a2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=60http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=60Cars and Crashes Continued from page 32 TAC T I C A L & D U T Y D E S I G N S Unequal pupil size and/or the eyes not tracking together may indicate an injury, medical condition or maybe even a glass eye. You should ask the subject about any discrepancies you see during this portion of the HgN test. For the next three portions of the test you’ll be looking for the subject’s ability to smoothly follow a moving object, the presence of distinct nystagmus at the extremes and whether the angle of onset occurs before 45 degrees. These three cues should be observed individually in each eye meaning you’ll move your pen for at least six more “tests.” You should perform these tests the same way every time you do an evaluation so they’re done consistently every time on every person. Smooth Tracking Starting from the center of the subject’s face, move your pen slowly and steadily toward his ear. Whatever ear you’re moving the object toward, that eye is the one you should be focused on. Watch to see if the eye is smoothly following the object. if you see nystagmus, make note of it. Do the same test for the other eye. Again you’ll move your pen from the center of the subject’s face to an ear. You want the subject to move his eyes as far to the corner as possible, but leaving a small amount of the white visible. Hold your pen here for about 3-4 seconds. You’re looking for distinct and sustained nystagmus and holding it here removes an argument later in court that the subject’s eyes showed nystagmus at the extremes because of a rapid movement of your pen. You’ll do this test for each eye and make note of your observations for each eye. FEATURED PRODUCTS Angle Of Onset Next Generation Knee Pad Combat Glove “BETTER BY DESIGN” hwigear.com Here you’ll move your pen from the same starting point, but this time you’ll take about 3-4 seconds to move it to the subject’s shoulder. Placing the pen at the subject’s shoulder area will put his eyes at an approximate 45-degree angle. You’re looking to see if the onset of nystagmus occurs before the 45-degree angle; if it does, it’s a pretty good indicator your subject’s BA (Blood Alcohol) level will be .10% or greater. i think all states have lowered their presumptive level of intoxication to .08% so you’ll know immediately you have a keeper. You’ll do this test for each eye also. Don’t be hesitant to learn more about HgN — it’s not rocket science. Think of it as another part of body language; the eyes are telling you in clear, concise terms what’s going on. And it’s one part of a DUi evaluation the suspect can’t practice. * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2010 602010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=61http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=61OFFICer sUrVIVaL Continued from page 26 etc., a little investment of time is acceptable and worth the effort. On the other hand, call it junk technology or whatever you like, there are those things that are impossible to learn, are not user-friendly and end up making your job more difficult. Some report writing software, various CAD systems and complex activity logs are a few things that come to mind as efficiency blockers. They can also create an unsafe environment for officers — distracting your attention away from the miscreant you’re dealing with to the damn computer you’re staring at. You can’t see what the bad guy’s about to do if you’ve got your head buried in the computer screen. i’ve seen many things guaranteed to revolutionize police work come and, thankfully, go over the years. To avoid being saddled with the bad or dangerous stuff allow all members of an organization who will be using the new doo-dad you want to start using have input with evaluating and implementing it. Too often group A is responsible for the equipment used by group B and group A has no clue what group B really does. This illogical thought process almost always produces poor results. Even though i’m no fan of going to more meetings, this is one time where more meetings and end-user input really helps. Smart agencies have taken great pains to create committees made up of various members throughout the department to help administrators recognize these problems early on before they waste too much of your time — and ultimately, taxpayer money. This is a very effective technique for evaluating and im- plementing just about anything from technology to training and equipment. good street cops need to be in the field looking for bad guys, not fighting with ineffective technology. We now have some of the most professional and best-trained officers in the history of law enforcement. Being a great street cop takes time and effort. Those who achieve this are still the ones who go the extra mile to train hard, study the law, work the overtime and do the right thing. They’re also the ones who quickly learn which technology is worth their effort — and which isn’t. * Patent Pending WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 612010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=62http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=62holster features triple retention technology that keeps your gun Weapon retention can be out of the wrong hands, themost difference between life tool for The latest comprehensive but still allows you to and death. Now more The than CRT-15 cleaning AR-15 type rifles. draw cleanly without ever, will you remove need a duty holster reamer-end all the carbon from the having to negotiate a bolt carrier cutting any and metal. The that without keeps your gun safe complex system of snaps lathe-end (curved arm) removes secure, yet allows you swift the carbon and traps. For safety without DEALERS WANTED from any bolt tail radius, cleaning the whole the need arises. tools. radius. access Unlikewhen generic form-style sacrificing performance, LE/MIL Pricing Available Uncle Mike’s PRO-3 duty count on Uncle Mike’s. order online unclemikesle.com 100% USA MADE ©2008 www.magna-matic-defense.com Uncle Mike’s® Slimline PRO-3 Triple Retention Duty Holster Comprehensive AR-15 Carbon Removal According to Darrel, “I have a profound and abiding respect for Blackie Continued from page 34for Meyerco”. Collins, designer Blackie has contributed more to the The is constructed from a rugged state oflight modern knives than any other polymer, is the 11.5" long, the is 1.75" in maker on planet. So barrel I went to him diameter and weighs just 16 ounces. While with a few ideas. A self-assured gen-i personally feel it’sin a bit light to use as an eftleman, secure his own skills and fective impact weapon, officers with agenrecord of genuine achievements, cies that forbid such won’t find this to Blackie viewed anthings association with me be an issue. The overall diameter is slightly as another designer at the same comlarger as than many full-size lights currently pany a pleasure — not a threat. He availableme andin because of this 5.11 includes pointed Meyerco’s direction and a flashlight ring with the light. Early LED I’m grateful that he did.” technology was dim little totouch incanBlackie in aturn put relative him in descent lights, but head the LEDs of today can with Meyerco honcho Mike be very bright. For Life is a shinManrose andThe theLight relationship caught ing example modern, cutting edge LED fire. “I thinkof you will see them revamp technology and knife the result is a They very bright, their entire line. are efficient light. it uses three LEDs beefing up the look, feel and clustered quality together in a hexagonal bezel good to shine a hot overall and cultivating knife focused center beam. The shapeThey of the will head designers to join the team. helps keep light in place you put it push the the envelope withwhen innovations downhave on something slick seen such as the hood that never been before in of yourhistory. car. knife It is fantastic to see a Whileknife testing my light i noticed it didn’t serious manufacturer develop a seem to made hold the charge as well as it should; U.S.A. line of knives.” it rolled around in my trunk for a couple weeks and the charge drained quicker than Blast Off! it should. i contacted 5.11 and they are The first Ralph design to blast off recthe ommending a four-hour charge for Meyerco assembly line initial is an automatic optimum results. also switchblade knife They dubbed the recommend 18-XRAY. you leave the light the charger for are one Any similarities to in the GunHammer hour every now and then. Personally, i’ll purely intentional. This model is aimed just keep mine plugged into the car charger squarely at the military market and at all timessome — it won’t hurt the light. addresses issues that, according to Ralph, will make this tactical folder more friendly and safer to boot. At The user Little Brother 87⁄8" fully extended, this is a full-size tacEven before UC3.400 wasin on the tical folder andthe costs are kept line shelf, 5.11 Tactical and iVUS Energy using a non-glare, black hard-coat innovations were working on developmachined aluminum handle. The blade ing a more compact version called the is made from pr2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=63http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=63859-303 EXPERIENCE OUR SHOOTING COMMUNITY! The Cheaper Than Dirt Community is the place for shooting enthusiasts! 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MOLLE-403 … $52.97 MODGEAR TM Sling Bag Federal® 9mm Hi-Shok +P+, JHP, 115 Grain, 50 Rounds AMM-406 … $23.59 Silver Bear .308 SP, 140 Grain, 20 Rounds AMM-690 … $7.89 12 Gauge, 7/8 oz., Frangible, 5 Rounds AMM-837 … $2.89 12 Gauge U.S. DoD Breaching Mention this Code Prices Subject to Change 859-303 www.CheaperThanDirt.com Cheaper Than Dirt! America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter 1-800-421-8047 Visit our website for the largest selection of ammunition, magaz2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=64http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=64WIN! THIS PACKAGE! SureFire X300 LED WeaponLight SureFire Sonic Defenders plus hearing protection CamelBak TriZip Hydration Pack QUESTION 2: haS yOUr agENcy cUT ThE NUmBEr Of QUalIfIcaTION ShOOTS DUE TO BUDgET cONcErNS? (a) yES (B) NO QUESTIONS QUESTION 1: DOES yOUr agENcy prOvIDE ENOUgh IN-hOUSE TraININg ThrOUghOUT ThE yEar? (a) yES (B) NO QUESTION 3: haS yOUr agENcy rEDUcED Or DIScONTINUED pracTIcE ammO DUE TO BUDgET cONcErNS? (a) yES (B) NO Wiley X NERVE Goggles QUESTION 4: IS yOUr agENcy kEEpINg paTrOl carS IN SErvIcE fOr hIghEr mIlEagE ThaN prEvIOUS rEplacEmENT TImES? (a) yES (B) NO QUESTION 5: IS yOUr agENcy SUffErINg cUTBackS IN STaffINg Of SpEcIalIzED UNITS TO cOvEr paTrOl? (a) yES (B) NO Total Value: Over $1,200! SureFire LX2 LumaMax combat light WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 2010 642010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=65http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=65Win This sTunning TacTical Package! W CamelBak Better Bottle with Big Bite Valve Representing: camelBak sureFire and Wiley X! Wiley X Romer II Glasses CamelBak Delta-5 Tactical Vest and Hydration Pack e’re going to call this months’ giveaway your “One Stop Shopping” for rugged duty gear. One win gives you gear sure to make your duty-life easier. From rugged packs to handle your “stuff” and keep you hydrated, to defensive lighting, eye protection, hearing protection and more — this month’s package is a winner! CamelBak virtually invented solutions for carrying enough water — and delivering it to your thirsty-self — to make sure you make it through a tough day. CamelBak’s TriZip Pack and Delta-5 Tactical Vest offer versatility so you can take the pack you most need for the situation at hand. Both offer hands-free hydration options. Add their stainless steel water “bottle” with Big Bite Valve and you’ll never be thirsty again! SureFire, known for their stunning lights, also offers sophisticated hearing protection. This “kit” from SureFire offers their EP4 Sonic Defenders Plus versatile hearing protection, their LumaMax LX2 combat light and their benchmark X300 Weapon Light. All are solid, highly functional tools, proven in the field. The Sonic Defenders are editor Suzi Huntington’s favorite field hearing protection. A pair went to Africa with her on safari and helped to keep the blast from her .375 H&H Magnum under control. And, from Wiley X, comes critical, but often over-looked essentials. If you can’t see what you’re doing and if you injure your hands, you’re vulnerable, open to attack and possibly unable to defend yourself. The Wiley X Durtac Gloves are duty-tough and the thermoplastic knuckle protection keeps your hands, well … handy. Their NERVE Goggles and Romer II glasses offer ballistic protection to your peepers and keep you in the fight when the flag goes up. For more info: www.surefire.com; www.wileyx.com; www.camelbak.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. X2, 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 MAY 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 MAR/APR 2010: Name ___________________________________ address _____________ City, state, Zip____________ email address _______________________ if i wiN, please ship my priZe through: Sample store hours __ am __ pm dealer ___________________________________ address _____________ City, state, Zip____________ phoNe ( ) ____ - ________ Wiley X Durtac Gloves Photos: Joe Novelozo WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 652010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=66http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=66amErIcaN cOp Classified ads $2.00 per-word per insertion. ($1.50 per-word per insertion for 3 or more) including name, address and phone number (20 word minimum). Minimum charge $40.00. Bold words add $1.00 per word. Copy and rerun orders must be accompanied by PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS ON LISTING OR DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. All ads must be received with advance payment BY NO LATER THAN THE 1st of each month. Ads received after closing will appear in the following issue. Please type or print clearly. PLEASE NOTE*** NO PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED. Include name, address, post office, city, state and zip code as counted words. Abbreviations count as one word each. Mail to AMERICAN COP CLASSIFIEDS, 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, California 92128. NOTE: WE NOW HAVE DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADS IN BOTH GUNS MAGAZINE AND AMERICAN HANDGUNNER. ASK FOR OUR NEW RATE CARD, Or call (858) 605-0235. ACCessORies INDEX 5.11 Tactical Al Mar Knives ALS Technologies Inc. Benchmade Knife Company BLACKHAWK! Cheaper Than Dirt Copquest CorBon/Glaser CrossBreed Holsters LLC Cylinder & Slide Inc. DPMS DeSantis Holster Elite Sports Express EOTAC Fail Zero GETAC GLOCK Inc. Hornady Manufacturing Inc. HWI ILEETA International Training Inc. Kahr Arms 66 OF ADVERTISERS 2-4 23 11 13 27 63 62 14 12 57 54 14 61 56 61 8 33 21 60 25 35 19 the companies listed have featured advertisements in this issue. look to them first when you are ready to make a purchase. 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. Kershaw Knives Kimber Mfg. Inc. Magna-Matic Defense Maxpedition Hard-Use Gear Mec Gar USA Inc. Meprolight National Sheriffs’ Association O.F. Mossberg & Sons Officerstore Original SWAT Pearce Grip ProMag Industries Rick Hinderer Knives Rock River Arms Savage Arms SEER Technology Smith & Wesson SOG Specialty Knives Springfield Inc. SureFire LLC TOPS KNIVES XS Sight Systems 18 17, 70 62 31 57 11 16 29 10 5 29 13 61 23 16 15 9 60 69 55 54 66 COlleCtORs eMBleMs & insigniA gRiPs guns fOR sAle instRuCtiOn MisC POliCe equiPMent WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • MARCH/APRIL 20102010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=67http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=67VANTAGE POINT Continued from page 68 hiring standards and who are willing to do the job for less money and fewer benefits. Agencies who’ve been able to increase their staff naturally move older officers to investigative assignments or promote them to higher levels. This too can actually help create the predicament because the old salts are no longer working alongside the new guys. So there needs to be a balance in patrol, a mix of old and new. The two need to respect each other’s strengths and recognize their weaknesses. More importantly, they need to work with each other; the new absorbing as much knowledge as they can from the old, and the old guiding and helping the new as often as possible — and vice-versa! The young man I rode with was certainly trying to do a good job, but he was a little rough around the edges and still needed some guidance from an old timer. I watched him make what I felt to be a bad arrest and then not arrest someone he should have. My attempts to engage him on his actions were met with rigid defensiveness and, “When’s the last time you made this arrest?” Ouch. All my years of knowledge and expertise were of no importance to this young man. I hope I don’t hear the sound of that train wreck he may be headed for. VANTAGE POINT TAME THE BEAST ’ve heard music can tame the savage beast; I think someone famous said that once … I also believe music can give you happy feet or in this case, get you rockin’ out. Nick Smith, who’s a full-time policeman in Indiana, sent me a copy of his band’s self-titled first “album,” Signal 48. There’s Nick on lead guitar, Dave Cleek on vocals and guitar (he’s also former Indiana law enforcement and now works with kids in youth services), Joe Kellum on bass and Tim Carver on drums. I was impressed and liked what I heard. And I found myself connecting with their lyrics, which are drawn from Nick and Dave’s experiences in the field as well as the group’s life experiences. Signal 48 is modern rock and the band wrote, produced, recorded and mixed the entire album on their own. It’s worth a listen and I hope you’ll like it as much as I did. Let’s support some fellow cops here. For more info: www.signal48.com I TRANSLATE THIS H Doing The numbers NUmBEr Of SEcONDS Of ThE lONgEST rEcOrDED chIckEN flIghT. NUmBEr Of mINUTES IT TakES ThE avEragE pErSON TO fall aSlEEp . DImplES ON a rEgUlaTION gOlf Ball. NUmBEr Of mEgaByTES ON applE’S fIrST cONSUmEr cOmpUTEr harD DrIvE. 13 7 ave you ever found yourself on a call or stumbled across a tourist who’s been victimized and you can’t communicate with them because they don’t speak English? And it gets better — there are no translators available or ones who even speak the obscure dialect from the tiny Russian town your victim is from. Crap — what now? You can whip out your Law Enforcement Visual Language Translator you have tucked away in your gear bag and have them start pointing at pictures. I wish I’d had one of these with me on more than one occasion during my career. It’s a series of laminated cards that unfold to around 11x19" with all kinds of pictures on them. The person can simply point at the pictures to immediately begin communicating with you allowing you the ability to immediately take the appropriate actions. There’s also a Medical Translator, an EMS Translator, a Disaster Assistance Translator and a Travel Translator. Each is about $15, but you can get a bulk discount if a bunch of your squad mates want to pitch in. These translators are super cheap insurance for when you’re on that foreign language island and nobody’s around to help you communicate. For more info: www.kwikpoint.com 336 5 ver the past couple of years, in an effort to make things better, a number of manufacturers in the flashlight and battery industries have been working to create a standard by which to gauge their wares. Companies such as Streamlight, ASP, SureFire, Coleman, Duracell and Energizer have worked with each other to develop a battery of tests (pun intende2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=68http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=68SUZI HUNTINGTON VANTAGE POINT The loss Of institutional knowledge uring my travels in a neighboring state I had the occasion to go on a ride-along with the local police department. The agency I rode with is moderately sized, which affords it the ability to field extra units to police the city more proactively. I rode with one of those extra units. The officer had the freedom to roam around the city and was responsible for creating his own activity — he was a two-year veteran. When he introduced himself I picked up on the “I lost at rock, paper, scissors and got stuck with you” attitude, but having had this same attitude in my young career, I figured he’d get over it. Before we got going I made sure the officer knew I was retired LE from California and was armed. I asked about his patrol car setup in the event things went to poop, and I told him I had a pretty cool, new hand-held FLIR device with me. I suggested we use my nifty cop-cloaking device to snark dope houses. He didn’t seem the least bit interested in it and promptly told me their agency already had two — so much for that. What I observed during my ride-along showed me how similar laws can be interpreted and enforced very differently in different states. But what isn’t different, no matter where you are, is the loss of institutional knowledge — the loss of old cops who know stuff. New cops with any fewer than about D I’ve been on both ends of this spectrum. When I was a twoyear wonder-rookie I’m sure I was guilty of brushing off advice given to me by my senior peers. It goes with the territory; you’re fresh on your own with all this knowledge gleaned from the academy and phase training. You’re on your own so you must know it all, right? Of course the other side of the equation is I learned after about five years, there was a lot I didn’t know and I wasn’t afraid to admit it. I began to seek out knowledge from the old timers. By the time I had around 15 years on the street, I was comfortable giving the advice. It didn’t mean I knew everything, but I surely knew way more than the new guys and I knew where to find answers were there any questions — and I’m sure my advice was often brushed off too. And when I retired I took all my knowledge with me. Poof — it was gone, never to be shared with anyone, but you. Inexperienced cops should seek advice. Learn better ways to work smarter and safer. I think a person’s strength is measured by their ability to accept criticism and reach out for help. If they fail in these two categories, they’re a train wreck looking for a place to happen. And if you’re an old guy (or fooling themselves thinking they are all-knowing “are they gurus of cop-dom? are they fooling anybody?” five years on are a lot like 18 to 21 year-olds. They’re technically adults and can theoretically live on their own, but often should be under the guidance of a more experienced adult. But what does this really mean? Let’s be hypothetical; you have a two-year vet who’s been trained by a two-year vet who’d been trained by a two-year vet. And a sergeant who’s been on about five years supervising them all. After I took off my shoes so I could count on my toes, I realized I didn’t quite have a 10-year cycle spread out among a half-dozen cops. If you look more closely at an officer with a couple of years on, it really translates to about one year of honest-to-God police work when you deduct the academy and phase-training time. Are they fooling themselves thinking they are all-knowing gurus of cop-dom? Are they fooling anybody? 68 gal), are you a positive role model? Are you really a mentor? Or, are you one of those crotchety old farts who shakes his head in disgust at the young guns when they screw up and then talk trash about them at the station? Do you ever offer assistance and sage advice? What or who is the cause of this loss of years-deep knowledge? You can’t fault the applicants and you can’t necessarily fault the agencies for the predicament we’re in today — a sea2010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=69http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=692010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=70http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACMA10/?Page=70The Custom Crimson Carry II™ is light, powerful & absolutely dependable. Carry Light. The Ultra Crimson Carry II™ features a 3-inch bushingless bull barrel & short grip to enhance concealability. Weight is only 25 ounces. Introducing Kimber Crimson Carry 1911 .45 ACP Pistols. Crimson Carry pistols combine light weight and unequaled Kimber® quality with . Standard Kimber the proven tactical advantage of Crimson Trace® Lasergrips® features like match grade barrel, chamber, barrel bushing and trigger, rounded and blended edges, beveled magazine well and high ride beavertail grip safety ensure unequaled performance. Custom touches include a new recessed slide stop pin and two-tone non-reflective finish. Proudly made in America, a Kimber 1911 is the best choice for duty, home defense and concealed carry. See Kimber pistols in action at www.kimberamerica.com. The Pro Crimson Carry II™ has a 4-inch barrel & fulllength grip. Ideal for duty carry or home defense, it weighs just 28 ounces. Crimson Carry .45 ACP pistols feature Crimson Trace Lasergrips in a new, exclusive rosewood nish with classic checkering & the Kimber logo. The Choice of America’s Best. www.kimberamerica.com For information on products and dealer locations please send $2 to: 2008 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. Kimber, Dept. 184 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 Information is also available at (800) 880-24182010-02-02T19:59:58+01:00