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Archive for SWAT – Page 2

Revision Batlskin Helmet

by Richard

October 11th, 2011

The Revision Batlskin Head Protection System is more than a helmet, as is a fully integrated system that protects the face as well as the top of the head.

The system uses a ballistic helmet shell with a “trauma liner” that is designed to reduce incidents of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from explosions. Revision states the helmet shell is also 20% lighter than competitors while offering an increased level of ballistic protection.

According to Revision, both the visor and mandible guard offer impact and ballistic protection while remaining easy to put on and take off. The visor is considered to offer flawless optical clarity and is compatible with night vision gear. It is also scratch resistant (it better be!)

Categories Body Armor, SWAT
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Morphix Chameleon Review: A Toxic Chemical Detector

by Randall

October 10th, 2011

Have you had to respond to a possible clandestine meth lab or a chemical suicide or maybe just a strange smell? Morphix Technologies has developed a unique armband kit that detects toxic gases to protect first responders.

The Morphix Chameleon is a chemical detection unit that is worn on the forearm or attached by Velcro to the uniform of a first responder. The purpose of the kit is to provide an officer, firefighter, or soldier with immediate visual identification of the presence of hazardous gases.

A passive detector, the Chameleon has ten windows, called cassettes, which change color when exposed to certain chemicals. The Chameleon can be configured for Clan-Meth Lab, Chemical Suicide, or Haz-Mat detection by simply changing the cassettes.

Categories Bombs/Explosives, Drugs, Officer Safety, SWAT, Terrorism
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Patrol Response to Critical Incidents – Tactical Patrol Part II

by Aaron

September 5th, 2011

Photo courtesy of Trung Nguyen

[Ed. note: This is part two of a series on Tactical Patrol. The first article is Tactical Patrol Mindset.]

In this article I’d like to discuss a few of the most common critical incident calls where understanding the priority of life is critical to making a proper police response, especially for the initial patrol officers on scene.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

This is probably one of the most frequent calls police receive, and also one of the most dangerous. Patrol officers should understand that it is the priority of life, along with the exigency exemption to the 4th Amendment, that allows officers to force their way into a residence to investigate a domestic violence report should someone refuse their entry. The courts are saying that the “victim” is more important than any privacy rights a suspect might want to enjoy, even in his own home. Understanding the priority of life gives patrol officers the confidence to act and to act quickly to properly handle domestic violence calls, and provide assistance to victims.

Categories Hostage Situations, Officer Safety, Patrol, SWAT, Training
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Mistaken Killing of Child Hostage: Cops Not Liable

by Force Science Institute

September 3rd, 2011

Photo courtesy of Trung Nguyen

An internationally publicized case of a tragic shooting in which Force Science testimony was given has been decided by a California appellate court in favor of the involved officers.

Controversial from the beginning, the headline-grabbing case concerned a tense standoff between LAPD SWAT and a drug-deranged father who was holding his 19-month-old daughter in his arm as a hostage and human shield. In a desperate showdown, officers killed the offender in a fusillade of bullets–but also, inadvertently, killed the child.

The girl’s mother filed suit, claiming the operators’ reckless and unreasonable use of force and negligent disregard of proper police tactics caused her daughter’s wrongful death. At trial, Dr. Bill Lewinski, executive director of the Force Science Institute, testified on the officers’ behalf, describing in realistic terms the death scene’s chaotic climax.

Categories Firearms, Hostage Situations, Legal Issues, SWAT
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Tactical Patrol Mindset – Tactical Patrol Part I

by Aaron

August 29th, 2011

Photo courtesy of Oregon DOT

This is the first article in a series that will focus attention on the needs of patrol officers to be tactically minded and response capable. At the same time I’m going to discuss current philosophies about the proper patrol response to critical incidents such as active shooters, and barricaded subjects.

One of the most basic tenets of law enforcement is the protection of life. “To serve and protect” is probably the most universal mission statement of American law enforcement. In that regard I want to examine the “Priorities of Life” and make sure that patrol officers understand the order and its significance when they are confronted with the most critical incidents we face.

Simply put the “Priority of Life” is demonstrated in this order: