I’m submitting this as a reminder of who we are and how we are supposed to work as a unit, a team of one, all moving in the same direction for the same goals.
We all know or have worked with an officer who never seems to get to the scene first or always seems to get to the flares while others are elbow deep in extrication of injured and first aid... the officers who never seem to be on the pile when attempting to get a perp cuffed... the one who never seems to get his or her hair messed or uniform dirty.
If you know an officer like this or have to work with an officer like this get a cup of coffee or after work hook up for a favorite beverage and have ‘the conversation.’
They may not know they are doing anything that is working against the team. We all have seen, heard, or personally experienced this type of officer personality. Don’t be afraid to fix it. Don’t be that officer, and don’t be afraid to say something to get them on board with the program... to meet the common goal... with teamwork.
The more people we have moving in the same direction the better our performance on the street. Be well and safe.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
One push button pushes def attorney' buttons
“Dispatch, I am behind the vehicle... The driver is failing to stop... I’m 10-31 (chase).”
How many of you love being in this situation? I did. After a number of some wins and some losses in court, I discovered a way to assist in winning more of those cases. The moment I begin the chase, I immediately reset the odometer back to zero. The outcome has had a great impact on what happens next. I am able to provide clear details as to the length in miles of the chase, the ability to pinpoint how far into the chase events occurred such as items being thrown out of the suspect’s vehicle, and increase my creditability in court.
At my first deposition when I stated that at precisely 3.7 miles into the chase, the suspect threw a brown bag of smaller packaged marijuana baggies out the vehicle window, the defense attorney realized that putting me on the stand and demonstrating such clear-cut facts would not be in his client’s best interest.
In time, I found that others using this tip had similar experiences. Many of these cases ended with suspects either looking for deals or pleading guilty.
Your cases can be won at the deposition level. Our responsibility does not end with the arrest; it ends with either the suspect pleading guilty or being found guilty. Defense attorneys do not want to put very detailed and methodical officer on the stand in front of a jury.
It is just that simple. Push that little button and you’ll be pushing the defense attorney’s buttons later in depo or at trial.
How many of you love being in this situation? I did. After a number of some wins and some losses in court, I discovered a way to assist in winning more of those cases. The moment I begin the chase, I immediately reset the odometer back to zero. The outcome has had a great impact on what happens next. I am able to provide clear details as to the length in miles of the chase, the ability to pinpoint how far into the chase events occurred such as items being thrown out of the suspect’s vehicle, and increase my creditability in court.
At my first deposition when I stated that at precisely 3.7 miles into the chase, the suspect threw a brown bag of smaller packaged marijuana baggies out the vehicle window, the defense attorney realized that putting me on the stand and demonstrating such clear-cut facts would not be in his client’s best interest.
In time, I found that others using this tip had similar experiences. Many of these cases ended with suspects either looking for deals or pleading guilty.
Your cases can be won at the deposition level. Our responsibility does not end with the arrest; it ends with either the suspect pleading guilty or being found guilty. Defense attorneys do not want to put very detailed and methodical officer on the stand in front of a jury.
It is just that simple. Push that little button and you’ll be pushing the defense attorney’s buttons later in depo or at trial.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Lose Your Sight, Lose The Fight
If you wear glasses or contact lenses at work, make sure you have a second pair of glasses readily available to you at all times. If your glasses become damaged or you lose a contact lens, you need to immediately get your sight back and a “back up” pair of glasses will make that happen. If you’re a day shifter and you wear prescription sunglasses, make sure you always have your “clear” glasses (and a flashlight) with you as well.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Don't Hang Your Cuffs
One of the most neglected pieces of our equipment is our handcuffs. Remember to regularly check their functionality, keep them clean and properly lubricated and “set them up” the way you want them in your case each and every time you take them out. Many women (and smaller men) lack enough room on their duty belts for all of their gear, but don’t use that as excuse to “hang” your handcuffs from one of your belt keepers. This is a dangerous practice that can give your adversary easy access to your handcuffs, which can be used as an edged weapon against you.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Lose your Sight, Lose the Fight
If you wear glasses or contact lenses at work, make sure you have a second pair of glasses readily available to you at all times. If your glasses become damaged or you lose a contact lens, you need to immediately get your sight back and a “back up” pair of glasses will make that happen. If you’re a day shifter and you wear prescription sunglasses, make sure you always have your “clear” glasses (and a flashlight) with you as well.
Dave Smith is an internationally known motivational speaker, writer and law enforcement trainer who has been an integral part of the Calibre Press family for over 20 years. As a career police officer, Dave held positions in patrol, training, narcotics, SWAT, and management. In 1980 he developed the popular "Buck Savage" survival series videos and was the lead instructor for the Calibre Press "Street Survival" seminar from 1983 to 1985.
He was a contributor to Calibre's popular "Tactical Edge" handbook and helped pave the way for what "Street Survival" is today. Dave joined the Law Enforcement Training Network in 1989 and was the general manager of Calibre Press until January of 2002. Now president of Dave Smith & Associates, a law enforcement & management consulting company based in Illinois, Dave has developed hundreds of programs across the spectrum of police & security training needs.
Dave is now the senior instructor for the Street Survival Seminar, the Director of Video Training for PoliceOne Video and author of the new book "In My Sights." His experiences as officer, trainer, manager, and police spouse lend a unique perspective to the "Street Survival" experience. Visit Dave's website at www.jdbucksavage.com.
Dave Smith is an internationally known motivational speaker, writer and law enforcement trainer who has been an integral part of the Calibre Press family for over 20 years. As a career police officer, Dave held positions in patrol, training, narcotics, SWAT, and management. In 1980 he developed the popular "Buck Savage" survival series videos and was the lead instructor for the Calibre Press "Street Survival" seminar from 1983 to 1985.
He was a contributor to Calibre's popular "Tactical Edge" handbook and helped pave the way for what "Street Survival" is today. Dave joined the Law Enforcement Training Network in 1989 and was the general manager of Calibre Press until January of 2002. Now president of Dave Smith & Associates, a law enforcement & management consulting company based in Illinois, Dave has developed hundreds of programs across the spectrum of police & security training needs.
Dave is now the senior instructor for the Street Survival Seminar, the Director of Video Training for PoliceOne Video and author of the new book "In My Sights." His experiences as officer, trainer, manager, and police spouse lend a unique perspective to the "Street Survival" experience. Visit Dave's website at www.jdbucksavage.com.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Have a "excite" strategy on traffic stops
Submitted by:
Lt. Dan Marcou
There is one moment when every officer should couple the knowledge and experience of the veteran with the hyper-vigilance of the rookie just out of the academy. That oft-repeated moment is when a driver or occupant exits the vehicle — expectedly or unexpectedly — during a vehicle contact.
The vigilant officer will not miss:
1. Furtive movements (reaching for or disposing of something.)
2. Whispered (or foreign language) discussion with other occupants.
3. A suspect who reaches for gears instead of door handle.
4. A wallet tossed back into the vehicle.
5. Any hands suddenly disappearing from view during the process.
6. A suspect scanning the area for witnesses or an avenue of escape.
7. Readjusting clothing to conceal a weapon.
8. A tap lightly to an area to make sure the weapon or contraband is still there and concealed.
9. An unsteady step possibly caused by impairment.
10. A delayed exit on command.
11. An unsolicited exit.
12. “I might kill you,” body language.
13. The initiation of a sudden assault!
14. Feel free to add more in comments.
Every time the door opens (yours or theirs) on a vehicle contact it should have the same effect on a street officer as the bell has on a prize fighter. You may not get up swinging, but should be alert, in a defensible position, on guard and fully prepared to defend yourself.
Be careful out there and for every exit, have an exit strategy.
Lt. Dan Marcou
There is one moment when every officer should couple the knowledge and experience of the veteran with the hyper-vigilance of the rookie just out of the academy. That oft-repeated moment is when a driver or occupant exits the vehicle — expectedly or unexpectedly — during a vehicle contact.
The vigilant officer will not miss:
1. Furtive movements (reaching for or disposing of something.)
2. Whispered (or foreign language) discussion with other occupants.
3. A suspect who reaches for gears instead of door handle.
4. A wallet tossed back into the vehicle.
5. Any hands suddenly disappearing from view during the process.
6. A suspect scanning the area for witnesses or an avenue of escape.
7. Readjusting clothing to conceal a weapon.
8. A tap lightly to an area to make sure the weapon or contraband is still there and concealed.
9. An unsteady step possibly caused by impairment.
10. A delayed exit on command.
11. An unsolicited exit.
12. “I might kill you,” body language.
13. The initiation of a sudden assault!
14. Feel free to add more in comments.
Every time the door opens (yours or theirs) on a vehicle contact it should have the same effect on a street officer as the bell has on a prize fighter. You may not get up swinging, but should be alert, in a defensible position, on guard and fully prepared to defend yourself.
Be careful out there and for every exit, have an exit strategy.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Quick and Easy Weapons Wipe
Submitted by:
Virgal Bressner
Here is an easy way to keep wipes with your favorite gun oil or solvent on them handy. You will need:
• one pack of travel sized baby wipes
• your favorite oil or solvent
• one large zip lock bag
Take the baby wipes out of their package, unfold them and lay them out to dry. Once they are dry fold them back up and put them in the zip lock bag. Pour enough oil/solvent in to completely saturate the wipes. Press out excess air as you close the bag.
Keep these on hand and keep your duty weapons running.
Virgal Bressner
Here is an easy way to keep wipes with your favorite gun oil or solvent on them handy. You will need:
• one pack of travel sized baby wipes
• your favorite oil or solvent
• one large zip lock bag
Take the baby wipes out of their package, unfold them and lay them out to dry. Once they are dry fold them back up and put them in the zip lock bag. Pour enough oil/solvent in to completely saturate the wipes. Press out excess air as you close the bag.
Keep these on hand and keep your duty weapons running.
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