Every month we link to articles that we recommend. The topics are similar to those on our blog, mostly about use of force but some about general police issues. Right after the link we discuss our thoughts about the article.
Low Light Threat Management: Flashlight-assisted shooting techniques for your tactical toolbox by Mike Boyle
This is an excellent article about flashlight techniques. Boyle combines current research and techniques with his observations from years of experience as a firearms instructor.
Next Generation Pistol Sights by Dave Spaulding
There has been tension between the generations concerning new sighting systems vs iron sights. The old school guys argue that iron sights are the most reliable system in the uncertainty of combat, i.e. they don’t break and the batteries don’t go out. The next generation argues that new sighting systems are more effective and generate more accurate shooters. Spaulding’s article addresses some of these arguments and gives us insight into the possible future of pistol sights. I appreciate Spaulding’s realistic viewpoints and reliance on actual field results.
Ten Ways to get out of Your Workout Rut by TGrace
These ideas are great if you’re bored with your workout or need a challenge. Many specialized units like SWAT, K9, or Bomb Unit have a dedicated training day and could end their training with one of these to help stay in shape. My favorite was number 7, Fleeing Felon.
The Real Problem by Johnnie Law
Johnnie Law responds to some critics about the TASER and the way it is used by police. If we could put it to a vote, I’m sure 99% of officers would endorse this article. This is his last sentence and one of many excellent points.
I think the problem comes from the anti-police idiots who dismiss every independent study as being biased but accept crap from Amnesty International and the ACLU as gospel.
Iron Pigs, Hells Angels, and a universal off duty carry: Behind the scenes in a critical court case by Charles Remsberg
Many officers have inquired about the circumstances that caused four police officers to be in a fight with Hell’s Angels and later arrested for carrying handguns at the Sturgis Rally. The Godfather of officer safety brings us answers. If you are going out of state with your gun, be sure to read our post, HR 218 Explained, to make sure you are in compliance with the law.
Terror, Again: First-responder lessons from the attacks in India by Jeff Chudwin
A smart person learns from his mistakes. A smarter person learns from the mistakes of others. Chudwin explains the weaknesses of police forces in India and how that affected their response to the terror attacks. He gives five recommendations for departments to prepare for an attack. Departments with these systems in place will be better prepared for any major incident, not just a terror attack.
Canine Tactical Insertions by Shane Allen
If you are going to put your police dog into an attic, this technique looks pretty good. But I’m not sure that you should. If you know there is someone up there that you have to get, then gas it or at least pepper spray first and try and get him to come down. If you have to go up after him then the dog is better than an officer and can work in a gas environment.
The problem is that the attic is not stable because most of it is just sheetrock. A person knows to stand on the plywood and beams but a dog does not. Many dogs are heavy enough to fall through the sheetrock so they are not very effective.
If you insert a dog in an attic, I recommend putting a climbing harness on him not a tracking harness. Tracking harnesses are not designed to pick up a dog and they will fall out of them. Attach as long leash to him, 30 to 50 ft long, and belay him. If he falls through the sheetrock the leash will be draped over some beams and you can lower him to the ground.
Firearms Simulators: Can they provide real savings by Rebecca Kanable
Simulators have their place if your department can afford one. They can isolate some issues for some officers that need work, especially decision making. One advantage with simulators is that you can get officers through scenario training faster than traditional force on force training, but its not as effective and can build some bad habits if you are dependent upon it.
The 12-Gauge Shotgun: A powerful, essential tool for law enforcement by Dave Spaulding
This article discuss the power of the shotgun. How to harness that power and how to deal with the recoil.
In humor, there is truth by Richard Fairburn
An email list that went viral around police officers was called 25 Recommendations for your next gunfight. Fairburn comments on each recommendation and shows how applicable they are to police officers.
Gunshot Survival on the Street by Jeff Chudwin
If you are an officer then dealing with a gunshot wound is a foreseeable event. Be prepared for it. In the next month, we will publish an article on self-treatment that also addresses this issue.
Your Recommendations
We would like to hear about articles and links that you recommend. Post them in the comments or you can always send us an email about them. If we like them we will put them in next month’s recommendations.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I guess since nobody else wants to recommend anything, I’ll recommend everything I ever wrote. Or is that cheating.
First, that is an awesome gravatar. Keeping with our use of force theme, How not to get killed by the police is my favorite recent article of You Should Be Tasered.