Blue Sheepdog

Police officers often find weapons on suspects during pat-downs and post-arrest searches. Sometimes the weapons are firearms, and other times the weapons are knives, ice picks, brass knuckles, and the like. These are generally no problem to spot and identify, right?

Not always. There are many criminals walking around with weapons that are disguised as mundane, common items. Not recognizing these items as a weapon can cost you dearly should the criminal offer resistance.

The California Department of Justice, through the Criminal Intelligence Bureau of the Division of Law Enforcement, regularly publishes a booklet for police officers called “Disguised Weapons.” The book contains photographs and written descriptions of a wide range of weapons that are made to appear to be something else.

Many of the items featured in “Disguised Weapons” are commercially made, and are legal to own in many jurisdictions. However, what may be a legitimate self defense tool in the hands of an honest citizen, including an off-duty cop, can be very dangerous in the hands of a criminal.

Feel free to download a prior edition of the booklet here.

Stay safe!