In May of 2018 a Lawrence, Kansas Police officer conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Excursion after the officer observed the driver operating the vehicle without using his seatbelt. The driver immediately begins arguing with the officer and refusing to produce his driver's license. Despite remarkable control of emotions, and a very logical and sympathetic explanation of the … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania Trooper Shooting: Lessons Learned
In November of 2017, two Pennsylvania State Police Troopers were involved in a harrowing fight for their lives with a drug-induced motorist intent on killing them. The incident began when a Trooper conducted a vehicle stop of a speeding motorist on Route 33 in Nazareth, a town near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Stopping motorists committing a traffic violation is one of the most … [Read more...]
Firearms Safety: Startle Fire
In two recent law enforcement involved shootings, officers unintentionally discharged their firearms under very stressful situations. Though the discharges may have occurred during felony or high risk situations, a police officer cannot discharge their firearm unless they deliberately intend to do so under lawful guidelines of Constitutional and Statutory authority. This type … [Read more...]
U.S. 10th Circuit: Taser Drive-Stuns Can Be Excessive Force
The United States 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has recently decided the case of Perea v. Baca and City of Albuquerque. The result will likely have widespread impact on officers across the country. The excessive force lawsuit against Albuquerque, New Mexico police officers was based on the officers use of a TASER, mostly in "drive-stun" mode, during their attempt to subdue a … [Read more...]
Numbers Matter, But They Are Not Magic!
During my 18-year career I've watched hundreds of videos of line of duty officer actions. I've even got a few of mine that I've transferred to DVD from the old VHS tapes. Whether the officers prevailed or evil overcame, each of those videos have been beneficial in reminding us of the threats that can materialize at any moment. There are perhaps no greater training aids … [Read more...]
Taser X2 Training – Follow-Up
In April, I wrote an article about the new Taser X2 and some of its proposed advances over Taser’s X26. I received a department-issued X2 yesterday and took the required block of Taser X2 training. I have a few thoughts. The X2 is slightly larger than the X26. From their spec sheet, the X2 is ½” longer, 1” taller, and ½” wider than an X26. It also weighs twice as much. … [Read more...]
Karbon Arms: Alternative to TASER
Did you know there was an alternative to the TASER? Randall takes a look at the Karbon Arms MPID, an affordably priced alternative to the TASET X26. In September 2010, the Karbon Arms company purchased Stinger Systems, Inc. and its holdings. Stinger Systems had marketed an electronic control device that was an alternative to the ECD’s offered by Taser … [Read more...]
Introduce Your Shotgun to the TASER XREP
Currently, there are (among others) two trends in law enforcement: the widespread deployment of X2 and X26 TASERs, and replacing shotguns with AR-15 style rifles. The folks at TASER International, Inc. saw an opportunity in these two trends and have developed the TASER XREP. What is the XREP? XREP stands for eXtended Range Electronic Projectile. In a nutshell, the XREP … [Read more...]
Is Your “Non-Flammable” Pepper Spray Really Non-Flammable?
In the August 2007 issue of Law Officer Magazine is an article that is both informative and scary. For years it has been common knowledge that departments that issue both electronic control devices (such as the TASER) and oleoresin capsicum (O.C. or pepper) spray should be careful to buy a non-flammable formulation of O.C. spray. Early formulations of O.C. spray used an … [Read more...]