At a K9 seminar a handler was going through a scenario where he had to search an auto pound. His dog would not search more than 10 feet away from him. The handler was getting frustrated that his dog would not search deeper into the parking lot of cars. The instructor who had earlier admitted he was a gearhead said, “Use a SWAT rock.”
“What’s a SWAT rock?” the handler replied.
“One of these.” He said as he grabbed a small stone off the ground and threw it at a car deep in the parking lot. The sound the rock made hitting the car caught the attention of the searching dog and made him investigate that area and eventually find the suspect.
The instructor continued. “A SWAT rock is the same thing except you paint it black, put it in a bag labeled SWAT, and sell it to guys like me for $14.95. Paint it black and I’ll buy just about anything.”
New Officers
New officers are typically guilty of buying SWAT rocks more than most other officers. They are trying to fit into the culture of policing and equip themselves with the best tools of the trade. Unfortunately, they don’t always know what is useful and what is just buying into an image.
The image is influenced by the media they have seen and their experiences. New officers don’t have much experience but they have seen plenty of media. Much of it portrays the kick ass and take names officers wearing black and having SWAT written all over them. So they try to emulate that image. Companies that sell police products take advantage of that fact.
CDI factor
Experienced officers fall for the image too. Everyone falls somewhat prey to the CDI (Chicks Dig It) or tacti-cool factor of equipment. Drop down tac holsters are one I have been guilty of. It was a pain to run with while tracking suspects as a K9 handler, but man I looked good with it.
Experienced SWAT officers will admit the same thing. The only purpose of a drop down tac holster is to get their gun out of the way of the big vest they wear. That is an important function that isn’t necessary for 50% of the officers that wear tac holsters, because they don’t use a big vest.
I’m not saying don’t enjoy the coolness factor of equipment. It’s one of the perks of the job. Just don’t fall victim to it. Functionality is more important.
Old School vs. New
There will always be some conflict about this issue when new gear gets introduced. Many critics cite image as the real reason officers want the latest gear.
An example is holographic sights for rifles. Old school officers think they fall into the tacti-cool category and that iron sights work just fine. While newer officers think they improve accuracy especially at night. (For the record, I am in favor of holographic sights.)
Time and actual combat usage will ultimately resolve these issues.
What things do you think are SWAT rocks?
Are there particular types of police equipment or weapons that you think are more image than function? List them in the comments and the reasons why.
Further Reading
- To buy a can of Tactical Bacon visit the CMMG store. ( 9oz for $12.50 )
- Tactical or Tacti-Cool?: How to ensure that your DT training really prepares cops for the street by Charles Humes
- Tactical Bacon?!?!?!? by Steve from the Firearm Blog
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Anti-Terrorism boots… I mean, you’ve got to be kidding me!
Excellent article! We have younger officers coming into the job now that look at the gear catalogs with the same enthusiasm as the 14 year old that finds Dad’s Playboys. All the “tactical” this and “specops” that does not mean squat if you cant use it properly. Laser sights, combat slings, etc, all great things, but if you dont have fundamental marksmanship down, it’s just going to look cool while you lose. Just my humble opinion.
I’m not a cop, but this article makes perfect sense to me.
You’re saying ‘know what helps you deliver the product/service better and more effectively, and use that. The other stuff, the flummery – ditch it.”
Precisely right.
I am not a cop but I am a U.S. Marine, and for the record a bit of a “gear queer”. I had to laugh out loud when I saw “tactical” check book covers in the PX on Camp Fallujah in Iraq. Of course they were black and made of “ballistic” nylon. There were two models to choose from. I don’t know if anyone ever bought one but one but it cracked me up to think that someone might say “oh I need that in case I’m paying my bills during a firefight!” I agree, paint it black (or camo / coyote brown for the military) and label it tactical or “combat” and some joker is gonna spend way to much money to own it!
Not a police officer….. yet…. but I had to laugh when reading this cause it makes perfect sense. Especially after listening to my folks talk about getting this or that for there newest side arm or a new holster or tac light. They were cops. But i do it to look at police magazines and dream about how I will look when I get to do it makes me laugh I will probably be the biggest rookie on the block