What are you doing to train for your next fight?
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Right now there is some street thug who is preparing himself for an encounter with you. Maybe today he is practicing shooting. Perhaps he’s doing push-ups, or running. Yesterday, he figured out a really great spot to hide a small razor knife.
If his buddy is with him today, he’s probably working on disarming you. He’s been working on that one for a while, and has gotten pretty good at it.
I know what he is doing. The question is, what are you doing?
When is the last time you went to the range? Hit the weights? Cleaned and oiled your handcuffs? Have you and your partner practiced a building search lately? Or even just talked about how to handle a hot call?
Someone is preparing to meet you. Will you be ready?
Law Enforcement Torch Run
By · CommentsOn May 25, 2010, I participated in the 25th Anniversary of the Missouri Law Enforcement Torch Run. For those of you not familiar with this event, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is an annual run sponsored by the Special Olympics and law enforcement agencies around the country and in 35 other nations to support the athletes who compete in the Special Olympics. During the run a “Flame of Hope” is carried, much like during the work up to the actual Olympic Games.
According to the Special Olympics website, more than 85,000 law enforcement officers participated in the Torch Run in 2008 raising $34 million.
Training to Drill or Training for Real?, Part II
By · Comments(Ed. note: This is Part II to the original “Training to drill or training for real” article that was published back on March 29, 2010.)
The current firearms qualification course at my agency is divided into two phases, and I use it here just as an example of what an agency could do to add real life shooting drills into their firearms training program. There is one course dedicated to the basics. In that course of fire officers must show proficiency in withdrawing their sidearm, proper shooting platform, and shooting on target in specified times.
There are some combat and tactical reloads incorporated into the training and time restrictions ensure officers are “moving with a purpose”. Weapons malfunction drills are also performed to ensure proficiency and muscle memory. We shoot Glock Model 22, full size .40 cal. pistols and we do use the Glock qualification course in that phase to help determine an officer’s ability to use their sidearm. That’s the easy course, and you are not considered qualified on your sidearm by passing this course alone.
BlueSheepdog Podcast – Episode 02
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Episode 2 of the BlueSheepdog Podcast is now available. In this episode, I talk about searches of arrestees.
Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome! Send me an e-mail.
(Note: The iTunes link on the right will go active as soon as Apple approves the podcast. Until then, feel free to use the player on this page, or subscribe by feeding this URL into your podcatching software: http://www.bluesheepdog.com/?feed=podcast .)
I’m Tired…
By · CommentsI’m tired of reading the “officer down” messages that come across my computer terminal seemingly every night. Law enforcement officer deaths are up this year. One is too many, but 98 so far, is staggering.
Looking over the information at the Officer Down Memorial Page, we see 98 officer deaths have been listed. Almost half of those came from violent encounters, with the balance being mostly accidental or medical.
It wasn’t that long ago I was telling rookies that more cops die in traffic accidents, than from being shot. Not this year.
- Officers killed by gunfire: 34
- Officers killed in accidents and pursuits combined: 30
BlueSheepdog Podcast – Episode 01
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It’s official: we’ve launched the BlueSheepdog Podcast. The BlueSheepdog Podcast is the police podcast for police officers by police officers!
The BlueSheepdog Podcast is the audio extension of the BlueSheepdog.com website. On the show we will discuss variety of training topics including firearms, officer safety, field training, criminal interdiction, and current events. Additionally, the podcast will host round table discussions.
If you are a cop, this podcast is for you. Listener response and comments are encouraged. Feel free to share your opinions, and make suggestions on how to improve the podcast. We are here to serve you. If we can do it better, let us know!
(Note: The iTunes link on the right will go active as soon as Apple approves the podcast. Until then, feel free to use the player on this page, or subscribe by feeding this URL into your podcatching software: http://www.bluesheepdog.com/?feed=podcast .)
