Randall :: Blue Sheepdog

Author Archive for Randall

SOG Blade Light Knives

by Randall

February 16th, 2012

At the SHOT Show, I got to view some 2012 products by SOG Specialty Knives. One of the most unique was the brand new series of Blade Light knives that will be released later this year.

Typically, a knife with a built-in flashlight is usually a flashlight with a built-in knife. A good example of this is the Tool Logic SL1 folding knife. It has a flashlight that can be used in conjunction with the blade, but also removed for other tasks.

SOG Blade Light

This is not the aim with the SOG Blade Lights. SOG Marketing Manager Chris Cashbaugh walked us through the set-up. The Blade Light knives are a fixed blade and folder that have LED lights housed in the handles.

Categories 2012 SHOT Show, Edged Weapons, Knives
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Armored Mobility Provides Lightweight Level III

by Randall

February 4th, 2012

Richard, Aaron, and I were meandering around after lunch at 2012 SHOT Show Media Day when we came across the Armored Mobility, Inc (AMI) display. We were able to speak at length with company president Michael Berritto III, who was proud to show us his innovative Mobile Armored Shield (MAS).

Quite a few things stood out about this ballistic shield. At NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level III, AMI states the MAS will stop (pistol and) rifle rounds to include:

7.62mm X 51 M80 NATO FMJ
5.56mm LeMas Urban Warfare
5.56mm M193 FMJ
6.8mm 110 gr OTM
30-06 M2 FMJ
7.62mm X 39 M43 Steel Core FMJ
12 Gauge High Velocity Slug
(Armored Mobility notes–will not stop 5.56 M855 green tip)

The 15” X 38” Mobile Armored Shield does this at a weight of just 16 pounds! Many shields on the market possess only Level IIIa capability at nearly double the weight. The 18” X 38” MAS weighs 22 lbs.

Categories 2012 SHOT Show, Body Armor, SWAT
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Fighting Hallucinogens

by Randall

January 30th, 2012

mushrooms Twice in two nights this week, my officers had to fight people who were out of control on hallucinogenic substances. These drugs are a serious cause for concern for law enforcement.

In the first instance, an officer rolled up on an unknown situation in the middle of a large intersection. A Good Samaritan was trying to hold down an out-of-control girl who was screaming “Kill me!” over and over again at the top of her lungs.

The officer and citizen managed to keep the 90 lbs. girl on the ground. Another officer arrived to replace the citizen. Now with two officers trying to handcuff her, the girl began to fight and actually began pushing up off the pavement with them on her back.

The first officer unloaded a can of OC into the girl’s face. It had no effect and she pretty much drank it like a Slurpee. Whirling around, she kicked the female officer in the groin. The crazed girl was finally subdued and taken for medical treatment.

Categories Bombs/Explosives, Drugs, Officer Safety
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FLIR Debuts Entry Level Thermal Imagers

by Randall

January 28th, 2012

FLIR Systems, Inc. has released a new line of thermal imagers that are affordable (by thermal imaging standards). The Scout series is initially aimed toward the civilian hunting market, but will branch into the law enforcement and maritime markets this year.

I stopped at the FLIR booth here at 2012 SHOT Show and checked out one of their Scout PS24 imagers. This model is an entry level device, but it has terrific tactical potential.

Handheld FLIR

The PS24 has a color LCD viewfinder display that can be toggled through White Hot, Black Hot, and multiple Red/White Hot palettes. Okay, I’ll come right out and say it: I think thermal imagers are ridiculously cool. Yeah, I had a stupid grin while I pointed the thing around at passersby.

Categories Gear and Holsters
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Traffic Direction–Hazardous Duty

by Randall

January 26th, 2012

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.

Categories Patrol, Training
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