A couple of months ago I got the chance to review the iRobot 110 FirstLook robot. (Ed. note: Yes, this is the same iRobot company that builds the Roomba.) Bruce Archambault, the Army Business Manager for iRobot, was in the area and good enough to bring a couple of options to our police department for testing and evaluation. Although he also brought some larger options, … [Read more...]
DKX Armor: Lightweight Armor Plates for Cops
DKX Advanced Manufacturing is on the cutting edge of ballistic protection, offering high grade armor plates for military and civilian applications. The latest products from Advanced Manufacturing are some of the most amazing advancements in armor development I have ever seen. Combining the latest manufacturing technology with the newest polymer advancements, Advanced … [Read more...]
Breaching Tools for Patrol
Traditionally when police talk about breaching tools they are in the context of SWAT Teams. In deed, many breaching tools require specialized training to understand the complexities of the tool, or the specialized methods that must be used to ensure a successful breach. Tragic events, such as the spree killer at Virginia Tech, have illuminated the need for patrol officers to … [Read more...]
KCPD Badge Placement Study 2011-2012
In the last few months I was made aware of an incredibly important study conducted by the Firearms Section of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. The results of that study should have far-reaching implications for any officer who engages in enforcement action during an undercover assignment or while off-duty in plain clothes. The Background for Testing … [Read more...]
The Trick to Training Cops
Two of the most common questions I get from officers around the country are: “How did you get started in training?” and “What is your advice for me (someone interested in training)?” Answering the first one is simple and it’s probably the same answer used by many instructors: “I kind of just fell into it.” My first ‘gig’ was assisting a PPCT Instructor Trainer friend … [Read more...]
Position Sul Training Video
[Ed. note: This training article and video are on the firearm handling technique known as Position Sul. Position Sul is not a replacement for the low ready, rather it is an alternative that officers can use depending on the circumstances, training and department policies. Your thoughts and feedback are welcome in the comments at the end of the article.] During the last 25 … [Read more...]
Negligent v. Accidental Discharge
Perhaps one of the most embarrassing (and dangerous) avoidable situation for an officer to have is a negligent discharge (ND) of their firearm. The situation is an immediate announcement of the failure of an officer to follow safety protocols, and in some cases the result of the (ND) is far more tragic than humiliation and discipline to the officer. Recent examples … [Read more...]
Joplin Revisited: A Look at Life One Year After the EF-5 Tornado
More than a year ago that I had the privilege to answer the call of duty for a very special purpose. On May 22, 2011 Joplin, Missouri had been ravaged by an EF-5 tornado that wreaked destruction and death right through the middle of the city. Almost immediately hundreds of Police, Fire, EMT, Emergency Management and other resources began to flood into the effected … [Read more...]
Off Hand Shooting: Priority or Passing Trend?
The concept of off-hand shooting is for the shooter to become proficient in shooting with their non-dominant hand. In other words, left-handed shooting for righties, and right-handed shooting for lefties. This concept is valid for both handgun and long gun, but for this article I will focus on handgun shooting. I hope this topic is worth addressing for the … [Read more...]
ITW MagBoot Review
Aaron reviews the ITW MagBoot, which is a rubber sleeve that covers the lower portion of your AR15/M4 magazines. This gives you better grip purchase on metal mags, and some of the MagBoots have built-in Ghillie Tex IR signature reduction. … [Read more...]