Small But Effective

Although television often depicts departments with resources, such as helicopters, armored vehicles and cover officers only 30 seconds away, the reality is most of our readers work in very different and challenging conditions.

Dale Stockton

Body Armor Technology

Two corrections from our September 2008 Issue.

DRIVE TO SURVIVE: Night Driving

Travis Yates

Sergeant Killed in Vehicle Crash

Sergeant Dario Aponte of the New Haven (Conn.) Police Department was killed in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a domestic violence call.

Japanasonic

As we examined the F8 and talked about its features, it became apparent that the F8 is perfect for the law enforcement investigator or executive who doesn't need the heft and durability of the fully-rugged Toughbook line.

Big Things in Little Packages

The 1-4x24 NXS is the company's compact riflescope, and it's designed to meet the needs of officers who want to maintain the same vision field that open sights provide while having a precision aiming system.

JP Molnar

Diversionary Device Training

If they aren't used properly, bad things may happen. A critical factor in preventing disaster is properly training for successful flashbang deployments.

R.K. Miller

The Ammunition Factor

In several recent gunfight incidents, the ammo chosen for the patrol rifle mission was reportedly unable to penetrate the sheet metal or glass of the offender's auto and effectively strike the criminal shooter.

Jeff Chudwin

DNA Labs-on-a-Chip

A "lab on a chip" would be a form of presumptive test, not intended to be conclusive, but sufficient to establish probable cause for an arrest or search warrant, with or without other evidence. The technology would allow investigators to introduce a DNA-bearing specimen into a handheld analyzer, allow the analyzer to process the sample, and then compare the results to those in a database such as CODIS (Combined DNA Index System).

Tim Dees

Crash Investigation

In this article, I provide a basic primer for investigating any crash, no matter the severity. The one-page format allows you to cut it out or copy it, laminate it and stick it in your patrol car if you're interested. -Pdf for download included.

JP Molnar

Humility in Leadership

My captain was a wise leader. He met with me privately the first day I wore bars on my collar. He said, “Lieutenant, there’s a phrase that’s very important to all leaders. It will be especially important to you in your first assignment as a watch commander. It’s only five words. ‘Will you please help me?’

Bob Vernon

Arrest Warrants

Much litigation has taken place to determine what level of "cause" is necessary to determine whether a suspect is in their home in order to present the arrest warrant.

Laura L. Scarry

Seniority Situation

I’m the low man in a six-cop department. I generally agree with seniority and the way it works, but I’ve got a question...

Bullethead

Surviving Dog Attacks

Is deadly force an appropriate defense against Paco the Presa Canario?

Dave Grossi

The Off-Duty Conundrum

The off-duty gun isn't carried so that an officer can commit acts of heroic derring-do, intercepting criminals wherever they venture.

Dave Spaulding