The Israeli bandage is something every police officer should have on his or her active shooter plate carrier and in their bail out bag. It allows the officer to quickly apply a very effective pressure bandage to themselves or to a fellow officer who has been wounded. Israeli bandages are inexpensive, and even if your department does not issue them (they probably … [Read more...]
Archives for 2011
5.11 Taclite Coyote Boots Review
I put over 30 miles of hiking into a pair of 5.11 Coyote Taclite 6” Desert Boots while on an R&R trip to southern Utah. Intended as a desert tactical boot, the Taclites will serve well in most all mobile situations. 5.11 literature states the boots need no break-in period. To this, I can attest. They went from the box to trail with no aggravation. These hiking boots are … [Read more...]
Defective Ammunition – Checked Your Ammo Lately?
[Ed. note: Defective ammunition is relatively rare, but it does happen. Aaron's experience is not unique. Make sure you check your ammo for damage to prevent potentially dangerous problems.] Recently I attended an Advanced SWAT course that our regional Tactical Officers Association offers each year. During the week of training there are several different range … [Read more...]
Tactical Pole Camera Operations
In this article, I'll discuss some basic tactical applications for the use of a pole camera in supporting of both Patrol and SWAT operations. Several years ago, while I was still a Team Leader in SWAT, our commander found some unspent funds at the end of a fiscal year. Since the money would go back into the municipality's general fund, we were urged to purchase any needed … [Read more...]
Spike Strips & More Officer Deaths
We lost two more officers killed while deploying spike strips during the past few weeks. This makes a total of four officers this year who have been killed while trying to deploy tire deflation devices in a vehicular pursuit. Spike strips, also known by the brand name Stop Sticks, are deployed by an officer standing on the side of a road in an attempt to deflate the … [Read more...]
Bushnell Equinox Night Vision Review
Night Vision (NV) can be a powerful tool for law enforcement during lightless conditions. Some officers are able to use department-issued night vision devices. The vast majority of officers do not have this luxury. This review of the Bushnell Equinox night vision monocular looks at an inexpensive option for officers who want to purchase their own gear. There are many … [Read more...]
Tuff Products Tacllet Review
I recently tested a concealed firearm pack for waist or shoulder carry that has great potential. Tuff Products makes the Tacllet, which is a combination of Tactical and Wallet. Tuff Products manufactures nylon and leather goods for the military, law enforcement, and armed citizens. Tuff Product’s QuickStrips were mentioned on BlueSheepdog.com in a previous revolver reload … [Read more...]
Training for Police and Animal Encounters
It is part and parcel for our profession that we, as officers and deputies, regularly interact with the local animals. Not always the human kind. Whether dealing with a cow on the freeway or a bear in a neighborhood, law enforcement officers face deadly encounters with animals that we are not necessarily trained or equipped to handle. Having worked in Florida, I am … [Read more...]
Gen4 Glock Recall: Recoil Spring Assembly Problems
A voluntary recall on the recoil spring assembly of Gen 4 Glock pistols started on September 6 and affects all Gen 4 pistols except the G26 and G27. Several department armorers forwarded me a copy of the notice sent out by Glock. The announcement states Glock has initiated a voluntary exchange program for the recoil spring assemblies of every Gen 4 Glock sold before July … [Read more...]
Planning for the Unthinkable – Police Funeral Book Review
If you read the July BlueSheepdog Newsletter, you saw an article I wrote about Line of Duty Death Forms. In the correspondence I received about the article, I encountered a unique source of information about the arrangements for LODD funerals. Planning for the Unthinkable: A Law Enforcement Funeral Planning Guide is a book written in 2010 by Los Angeles Police … [Read more...]