Technology: Crash & Crime Diagramming

You can't measure departure angles on scene—they just don't make a protractor that big. 

Technology: Crime Mapping & Geographic Profiling

A geographic profile analysis can involve millions of calculations to produce a map illustrating the calculated probabilities of the offender living or frequenting a specific area or areas. 

Technology: 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).

The 3rd Degree: Kel-Tec P-3AT Pistol

I saw several motor officers carrying what I thought were folding knives tucked in their motor boots. Upon closer inspection, I realized they were actually carrying ultra-slim .380 ACP semi-auto pistols, which were held in place inside their boots by a metal clip.

Firearms: Next Generation Pistol Sights

When using the red dot or reflex sight, there's no "eye sprint" from the target to the front sight and back again to confirm alignment. The shooter sees what they want to hit and they super-impose the red dot on the target.

Staging Area: Industry News: Firearms Simulators

Although nothing beats the real thing, firearms training simulators using weapons (including shotguns and automatic rifles) from firearms manufacturers come close. Some agencies have started using firearms training simulators in qualification courses.

Cruiser Corner: Command Presence

At the 2008 IACP show, Oshkosh had a prototype of the SandCat that I was able to poke around in. I have to say, my first impression of it is that it's one bad feline. 

License Plate Recognition: Kootenai County Goes High Tech

As a result of the implementation of a regional LPR system, investigators have been able to solve numerous crimes that go well beyond simple auto theft.

Staging Area: Industry News: N-Dex

Necessity is the mother of invention, and law enforcement's need to be able to share...

PepperBall Pistol

• Chris Boyd
• 2009 Jan 1

The light can be run in flashlight mode, floodlight mode or both simultaneously.

New Flashlight Moves Beyond the Battery

• R.K. Miller
• 2009 Jan 1

The new 5.11 flashlight departs from the current heavy battery technology. 5.11’s Light for Life works off an ultracapacitor that will run for 90 minutes and—get this—recharges in 1 minute.

Keep the Peace

• 2009 Jan 1

Peacekeeper Products’ Secure-Lock Rotational holster rotates 30, 60 or 90 degrees. The holster locks in place once the button is released and the appropriate angle of the holster has been achieved.