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Archive for Patrol

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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Her Blue Wear

by Richard

December 30th, 2011

Women in law enforcement have faced all sorts of problems, but one they continue to struggle with is getting uniforms and gear that are fitted to their needs. One company that is trying to correct this issue is Her Blue Wear.

Her Blue Wear is developing uniforms that are specifically designed by and for women who wear them. Check out their web site to see how they are approaching the issue.

Categories Patrol
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Working on Christmas

by Richard

December 26th, 2011

Working on the holidays is always an eye-opening experience. You learn a lot about human nature when people “celebrate” various national and religious holidays.

It has been a while since I worked day-shift on Christmas. I’ve worked plenty of afternoon and midnight shifts on December 25, but very few on days. I had hoped for a quiet, peaceful day. Not so much. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Categories Patrol
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Vigilance in Patrol

by Randall

December 13th, 2011

A Virginia Tech police officer was murdered last week. I reviewed the traffic stop scenario, as I knew it, at Readoff to my officers. A gunman had appeared out of nowhere. “Watch everyone,” I implored. “Everyone is in play.”

About an hour later, we had an armed robbery call. A K9 perimeter was set and my dog guys responded to the scene.

A black male had robbed a victim at gunpoint and fled on foot. Before the canine even came out of the car, a second armed robbery was reported six blocks north. Same suspect, same description.

K9′s moved to that location. The outer units sat tight. From two blocks away from where I was, a perimeter car radioed that a white male with a gun was approaching his car!

Categories Officer Safety, Patrol
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Counter Terrorism Tactics for Patrol

by Richard

November 17th, 2011

The Midwest Tactical Officers Association (MTOA) is sponsoring a three day course called “Counter Terrorism Tactics for Patrol.” Taught by Delia Tactical International, the course is a three day course focused on patrol response to extreme threats posed by terrorists in an urban environment. The class is “hands on,” and it moves well beyond the typical active shooter in-service training.

The course is sponsored by MTOA, but it is definitely patrol focused, not SWAT focused.

The course will be held February 6-8, 2012 in Milwaukee, WI. Tuition is $465 and class size is limited to 24 officers. For additional information and full course description, go to the MTOA site.

Categories Active Shooters, Patrol, Terrorism, Training
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