The color of SHOT Show 2014 was clearly grey, and 5.11 led that charge with their Storm Grey offering. Predominately introduced in their hugely popular clothing line, 5.11 is continuing the move by showcasing popular items and accessories in Storm Grey, including the TACTEC plate carrier. The Storm Grey design specifically targets law enforcement and special operations units in … [Read more...]
XADS Ballistic Light Shield
The SHOT Show produced some interesting new products for the law enforcement community, and the Xtreme Alternative Defense Systems (XADS) Light Shield was one of those items. XADS is based out of Anderson, Indiana, and has been producing life-saving less lethal and anti-material directed energy weapons since 2002. XADS has two retired Lt. Generals and a retired Indiana SWAT … [Read more...]
New BulletSafe Body Armor and Rifle Plates
Prior to a large event, we receive a hard-drive-punishing flow of emailed product press releases. My interest was piqued by a bullet resistant vest company that promised what I thought was a typographical error for their MSRP. I would definitely be paying a visit to the BulletSafe booth at SHOT Show 2014. At the Show, I met Tom Nardone, BulletSafe’s company … [Read more...]
Continuing Education for Law Enforcement – Part II
If you are looking to be hired as a police officer or to advance your existing law enforcement career, a college degree can be a deciding factor on your success. While there remains a degree of resistance to higher education, the officers who advanced the farthest most often have a criminal justice or public administration degree on their resume. The decision of whether or … [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...]
Reader Survey Results
A few weeks ago, I asked all of you to fill out a short survey about who you are and what you would like to get out of BlueSheepdog. I was overwhelmed with the responses I got, and based on the feedback I received, I will try to better tailor the content to your needs. I wanted to share a little of the information with you here, so that all of you have a better … [Read more...]
Viridian TacLoc Holster
At the Viridian Green Laser Sights booth at SHOT Show 2012, Aaron and I got a look at Viridian’s new TacLoc holster, which is specifically designed to work in conjunction with Viridian handgun-mounted C5, C5L, and X5L green lasers. Viridian Owner Tom Otteson gave us an impromptu demo of the TacLoc holster and their new X5L green laser/light/strobe combo. Thanks, Tom … [Read more...]
Demise of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Our last shipment of Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors has arrived at our City Public Works Complex. A moment of silence, please. Ford introduced the CVPI, or product code P71, in 1992. Built in St. Thomas, Ontario Canada, the rear-wheel drive V8 sedan has been a staple of American law enforcement for almost twenty years. Solid body-on-frame construction, a strong … [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...]
Reserve Police Officers
Some people say that police officers are crazy. We go out looking for violent criminals for a relatively small amount of compensation knowing that being killed is a very real possibility. You know who is crazier? People who will do it for free. Reserve police officers and deputies are men and women who volunteer their time to chase bad guys. They put on a uniform, strap … [Read more...]