Let’s talk about body armor fit and coverage. As we all know, body armor panels and carriers come in many different shapes, sizes, and comfort levels. Today, I want to specifically talk about a few key things you should consider when selecting a vest and getting properly sized. Your department or agency has probably dictated what ballistic threat level you need to wear on duty and may have even told which manufacturer’s model you will be wearing... Read More »

In looking at a typical law enforcement officer, it is difficult to distinguish whether that officer is a SWAT officer, or a patrol officer. You can’t go by their physique; even the officer working in the Auto Pound works out. You can’t go with the gait, (or as non-SWAT people call it, the “arrogant strut”); there are quite a few officers that possess more than their fare share of arrogance. You sure can’t determine if an officer is a SWAT officer or not by the holstered hair dryer; more and... Read More »

In years past, the words, "boat" and "armor" were rarely used in the same sentence. Since 9/11 this has changed dramatically. With the threat of waterborne terrorist attacks ever so existent, ballistic protection is rapidly becoming a part of every day security requirements. Read More »

If the accuracy of a frequently used firearm is degrading, there is a possibility that it is a fouled bore. The barrel of any modern firearm takes an amazing amount of punishment. High power cartridges expel white hot gases under incredibly high pressure, eroding the throat, fusing carbon onto the rifling, while bullets are physically swaged down the barrel, depositing copper into the lands and grooves. Read More »

Following in the steps of the United States Supreme Court’s Heller decision reaffirming the individual nature of the Second Amendment, there was a major victory for gun rights in the 9th Circuit Court, which covers California, Oregon, Hawaii, Washington, Arizona and other western states. Read More »

What's the first thing you do when you pick up a fine leather holster? If you're like most of us, you hold it to your nose allow that wonderful aroma that only fine leather has. But what is that aroma really and how does it get there. I mean, after all, have you ever actually smelled a cow? Read More »

We all know this is the time of the year we typically clean up and organize our homes, garages, yards and gardens to prepare for the busy summer months. It should also be the time for departments and agencies to look at their forensics supplies, equipment and facilities to ensure they are cleaned up and organized for the upcoming year. Read More »

So, your department needs new body armor but budgets are a bit tight? The U.S. DOJ’s Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP) may be the perfect solution! On May 13, 2009, the FY 2009 BVP program began accepting applications. The program is a DOJ initiative designed to provide a critical funding resource for state and local law enforcement to purchase body armor and related equipment... Read More »

Ever heard the phrase “Pushing Rope”?, meaning doing something that doesn’t work. This weekend I was reminded why nothing beats having a cleaning rod available while shooting. At a recent Speed Steel match, I encountered a number of malfunctions. Given I was using a variety of ammo I had begged, borrowed or stolen from friends, this wasn’t a surprise. On the bright side I got lots of practice doing mag changes and jam clearing. Read More »

Track evidence in the form of footwear and tire marks at crime scenes is the most overlooked and under utilized form of physical evidence in all types of investigations, even though it has been recognized as the oldest form of a forensic application in the investigation of a crime. One of the really distinctive aspects of track evidence is that it is ‘Speaking Evidence” and can provide valuable investigative support to an investigation. Read More »