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.
Weapons, Weapons Everywhere: The world is full of weapons so choose wisely by Steve Ashley
This article discusses the amount of conventional and unconventional weapons at each officers disposal and how to properly retain them. He also discusses weapons of opportunity and weapons of last resort. He cautions that having a weapon taken from an officer does not automatically require a deadly force response but should be evaluated by the actual circumstances presented. Too many officers have preplanned shooting someone who takes their pepper spray or other non lethal weapon from them without looking at the consequences.
You never know by Johnnie Law
This post shows the dash cam video of James Freeman murdering Game Warden Justin Hurst. My understanding is that Freeman received the death penalty in October 2008. Freeman shows good tactics and the video emphasizes why felony stops are necessary. See our felony stop post for additional videos that reinforce the need for them. Hurst stays in the fight and goes down shooting. RIP sheepdog.
Combative and Defensive Mindsets by Tgace
This short article is about offensive and defensive mindsets and the need to have both available in your tactical toolbox. Good discussion in the comments.
Countering Terrorist Teams: A different threat requires a different response by Richard Fairburn
This article is the first in a three part series discussing how American police agencies would respond to Mumbai style attacks. Fairburn gives some research that backs up his belief that we need to switch from the “lone wolf” to “pack” responses by officers to armed events. Future articles in the series will discuss tactics to go along with this style of response. This article requires a Police One login. Sign up for one here.
Tactical or Tacti-Cool?: How to ensure your DT training really prepares cops for the street by Charles Humes
This article gives a simple 4S test to tell if the training is effective or just has a high coolness factor. Is it simple, sensible, street proven, and is the source credible?
The Active Shooter Conundrum: What will you do? By Dave Spaulding
This article approaches the active shooter issue from an individual officer’s perspective. Dave Spaulding describes his plan that he initially made after the 1984 San Ysidro, California McDonald’s mass killing. He then tells how it evolved through the years and other events and what his plan is right now. This article is an excellent read for street officers.
Making the Grade: Good gear is even better with good training by Jeff Chudwin
Jeff Chudwin discusses making sure the gear selected or purchased by police administrators actually helps officer’s safety. He reviews a couple of common errors made and a couple of incidents where gear helped and where lack of training hurt.
Grab Your Go Bag: Essentials to have at hand for worst case and other scenarios by R.K. Miller
So far this is the best article I have seen about what to put in your active shooter bag. Most articles talk about what type of bag to buy. He discusses that briefly but what makes the bag is what is in it. His list and reasons why are the best I have heard.
Drilling for Gold: Build a solid foundation by drilling your survival skills by Ken Davis
Good article about maintaining the foundation of skills and habits that can keep you safe and win the fight.
Point of Domination by Tony Blauer
Blauer always provides good stuff. I like his definition of point of domination.
This is a space in the room in which the operator can cover danger areas, engage threats, and protect their teammates. It is the theoretical ideal “place to be”. Like anything in combat this position can constantly change.
Taser Inventor Jack Cover, rest in peace by Capt. Greg Meyer (Ret.)
Article about the inventor of the TASER by an officer who was involved with the weapon from the begining. Meyer has been a pioneer with TASERs and at the front of the discussion throughout their history. He gives some interesting insight into the inventor and his popular weapon.
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