While at the SHOT Show last week, I had the chance to meet the folks from Sportsman Eyewear. In addition to being really great people, they are selling a fantastic product called the Sportsman 720T.
Essentially, this product is a pair of sunglasses with a built-in video recorder.
The Streamlight SL-20 was one of two options when I was looking to buy a quality flashlight when I first entered police work some 14 years ago (the other being the MagCharger). For me, the Streamlight was a much better choice than the MagCharger, as I preferred the pre-focused beam, lighter weight and charging sleeve the SL-20 offered.
However, as technology advanced, the SL-20 didn’t seem to hold its own. For the past five years, I don’t even carry it in the car any more. Lighter weight, brighter flashlights, specifically the Streamlight Strion LED and the SECUTOR PEL-6, now ride full-time on my duty belt. I’ve longed for a brighter version of the SL-20, but have been disappointed…until now.
Streamlight officially introduced the SL-20L at the 2012 SHOT Show. The SL-20L is a new version of the classic light that utilizes the powerful C4 LED lights found in Streamlight’s other hi-power flashlights. Here’s how it breaks down:
©2011 James Russo
I have attempted to train quite a few rookies in safe traffic direction. There are many dangers in playing toreador to hundreds of two ton cars. I have a few tips.
First and foremost: Wear your reflective vest! Regardless if it is night or day. The darn thing is ANSI compliant for visibility and you are not.
Second, know clear hand signals. Hard to recreate here, but hand signals in daylight are much different than using that flashlight and cone in the darkness. Simple movements to direct the cars are best. Waving them forward, pointing toward turns, and holding out a hand or light for stop work best.
Next, you need your whistle. One long blow for stop. Two short chirps for go. This auditory addition to good hand signals is essential if you want to get their attention. And you do.
When and how much force can be used when dealing with emotionally disturbed people (EDP)? Absent any criminal action, should officers respond to an armed suicidal person the same way they might an armed criminal? Are the dangers to the officers lesser or greater?
The Americans for Effective Law Enforcement (AELE) have a great article in this month’s AELE Monthly Law Journal that attempts to answer these questions. The article, Disturbed/Suicidal Persons — Part One, touches on when force can be used, self-defense and defense of others. Part two will cover restraining EDPs and more. I highly recommend clicking the link and reading the article.
This is a demonstration of the First Light line of tactical flashlights from the 2012 SHOT Show.
Your Thoughts