A little over a week ago I started the Quarterly Challenge on BlueSheepDog. The intent of the challenge was to keep officers sharp on some of the most critical skills necessary to survive the streets. I haven't receive very many responses or comments so I have no idea how well the Q1 Challenge was received. There were four challenges included in the first quarter (Q1) … [Read more...]
New Plano Range Bags
Plano has been known for quality molded storage containers for a long time, but now they combined their storage containers with a convenient carry bag to make range days that much easier. The new X2 Range Bags provide a shooter the opportunity for a hands-free carry of their popular Ammo Boxes, with additional pockets on the Range Bag for extra magazines, cleaning supplies, or … [Read more...]
Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast
If you have been on the job for more than 5 years then you have likely heard the tactical training concept, slow is smooth and smooth is fast. I've been on our SWAT team for nearly 13 years, and I heard this saying early on in my training experience. I want to take a moment to break down the concept of the mantra; the good, the bad, and the ugly! I think there are a few … [Read more...]
Optimizing the Police Shotgun
Law enforcement weapons, including the police issue shotgun, are in a constant state of evolution. I have been around this game long enough to see dump pouches give way to speedloaders; auto pistols replace revolvers, and a variety of less-lethal weapons render wooden batons obsolete. Change often takes more time than we like, but, eventually, we get it right and embrace the … [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...]
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...]
Proper Sniper Rifle Maintenance
The students had all been indoctrinated in a rather unusual method of cleaning their rifles. It was unusual in that it was totally ineffective (more on this later). To make a bad situation worse, one of my students had recently attended a state sponsored “seminar” which took police snipers out to the 1000 yard line and had them shoot. In my usual sensitive manner, I pointed out … [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...]
Problem Solving in the Aftermath of Disaster
In 1989, I found myself staring down the throat of Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 hurricane which frequently gusted up to Category 5 status. My career had spanned a broad range of law enforcement experiences, but I quickly discovered how naïve I really was. The lessons learned didn’t come easy, but they proved invaluable in 1992 when I was dispatched to assist the Homestead (FL) … [Read more...]
Executive Leadership in Training
“No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair” - General George S. Patton Jr. Leadership in a law enforcement organization is every bit as important as it is in the military. Men and women in both organizations are asked to do hard things that most people shrink away from. A leader can motivate his or her people to act without hesitation in the face of grave … [Read more...]