March 2009 Volume 5 Issue 3

Bullethead: Pick Your Battles

Don’t take this guy head-on or you will lose. Educate him about how cops show respect and mourn the loss of one of our own. Point to flags at half-mast and other ways we show respect, and he’ll come around. Communicate, don't fight, and you shall win

Editor's Note: Tough Times Get Tougher

Times are tough, and they're only getting tougher.  Law Officer readers will play a key role in making the best of a very bad situation. We'll do our part to help in every way we can.    

Officer Killed in DUI-Involved Crash

Sergeant Timothy Simpson of the Philadelphia Police Department was killed when his...

On Point: Coping Mechanism

Early in my career, I responded to a traffic collision call. A three-year-old toddler had chased a ball between two parked cars and out onto the street. A passing car struck him. The driver who struck him didn't even see the child. He just heard a "thump" and felt the wheels roll over something. The child was literally knocked out of his shoes and killed instantly.

New Training DVD

The new Armed Response video training series titles are "Fundamentals of Defensive Shooting," "Tactics and Techniques for Defensive Shooting" and "Dynamic Drills for Defensive Shooting."

Cruiser Corner: Training by Design

This month, I discuss training programs in general, how to develop topics of instruction and lesson plan titles through needs assessment, craft an instructional goal that meets the needs of a target audience and the importance of the learning environment.

Drive to Survive: 3 Components of Safe Driving

Driving is one of the highest risk activities conducted by law enforcement today. Thus, being aware, managing space and avoiding collisions are three components of safe driving officers must develop.

Firearms: Trigger Control

Like many things firearms related, trigger control will continue to be debated, but I'll stick with what's simple and proven. Understand that trigger control not only means how much you allow it to move, but also knowing when to place your finger on it.

Hot at SHOT

I remember when displaying products intended for law enforcement or military markets was prohibited at the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show. At the 2009 conference, however, at least one-third of the show was dedicated to our market. Clearly, times have changed.

Legal Eagle: Someone Else's Home

The officers walk up to the front door and knock on the door. The homeowner answers the door. The officers move the homeowner to the side, enter the residence and arrest the suspect. Question: Based on this information alone, is the arrest legal? 

The Closed Door

As the investigators moved toward the back rooms, Chambers heard the voice of one of the officers outside on the radio. "A male subject just came out the back door from the basement," the officer reported, "but he ran back inside and locked the door when he saw me."

Roll-Call Training Tactics

First- and second-line supervisors don't have to be certified trainers to teach. Quite a few sergeants discovered previously unknown skills and talents and became excellent teachers.

C.O.P.S. Cash Concerns

For several years, C.O.P.S. was awarded close to $1 million annually. However, since October (the beginning of the federal government’s fiscal year) 2006, C.O.P.S. has received only $720,000 instead of the $2 million it had hoped for over the two-year period.

Stolen Car King

In eight years with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Officer Dave Callister has developed a reputation for finding the bad guys, especially those driving stolen cars.

Can Older Really Be Better?

"The difference between a great gun and a mediocre one is usually not realized until the user has attained a certain level of competence."

Technology: Scanned

Imagine gaining access to your mobile computer by pressing your thumb to a pad. Thanks to the evolution of biometrics technology, this is now a reality for law enforcement agencies.

Train the Trainer-Safety First

Let's talk about safety in the training environment. It's clearly a topic we can't discuss too much. Whether conducting patrol training, SWAT or any other hands-on activity, there are two basic steps we should take in our training to ensure the safety of our students: designating a safety officer and establishing safety guidelines.

This Month's Law Officer

Featured Columnist

Reload Strips

Paul Laska

It’s almost universal that an officer carries two reloads on the uniform. Most officers will have spare ammo in their briefcase, jump bag and, if they have a take-home car, in the trunk.

In Memoriam

Arrests in Killing of Las Vegas Officer

"His death is considered to be in the line of duty, since he pulled his weapon," Officer Barbara Morgan said.

Bullethead

Bullethead: Rejection Detection

Bullethead

Be honest with yourself about the reasons why departments may be turning you down, over and over again.