October 2023

Handcuffs displayed over a mobile device

Training & Education October 23, 2023

Law Enforcement Social Media Misconduct and the First Amendment

James “Jeb” Brown, Esq.; John G. Peters, Jr., Ph.D.; and Rick Muir, Ph.D. ©2023. A.R.R. The prevalence of social media scandals involving law enforcement is on the rise and appears to be widespread. Instances have occurred in Antioch, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Torrance, CA; Wichita, KS; London, in the UK; and in many other locations. It’s evident that these incidents are not confined to specific geographic locations. Regrettably, each subsequent scandal appears to be more severe than its predecessor. Social media…

Weaponry October 23, 2023

Valid Handgun Stopping Power

Ralph Mroz There are endless debates – in magazines, on the Web, and in just about any discussion among gun people – about “stopping power.” We are all legitimately concerned about it and many people have some pretty vigorous opinions about it. They cite gelatin studies, cadaver studies, animal studies, statistical analyses, and experience. In the end, of course, only actual experience counts, but the anecdotes which describe experience are as flawed a means to arrive at conclusions as any…

News October 17, 2023

Responding to the Staffing Crisis – Innovations in Recruitment and Retention

Published by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), this report outlines the urgent staffing crisis which many law enforcement agencies across the country are experiencing. When PERF began examining this issue in 2018, a clear and worrying trend had already emerged in police recruitment and retention. That trend continued and the challenges increased over the tumultuous 2020-2022 period, as the findings from PERF member questionnaires show: Officer retirements and resignations have increased. Sixty-five percent of agencies reported an increase in…

Weaponry October 13, 2023

Selecting a Holster for Concealed Carry

Mike Boyle No matter what your rank or assignment, just about all law enforcement officers have a need to discreetly carry a handgun. Clearly, investigative officers and agents would be ill-served to use a duty-style holster when wearing soft clothes while trying to conceal a handgun. Along similar lines, a great many officers choose to carry a firearm when off duty. In both of those situations, selecting a carry rig which keeps you under the radar is of great importance….

News October 13, 2023

Global Extremist Symbols

Published by the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, this database contains a compilation of global hate and extremist symbols. Extremist groups collaborate with each other across countries, sharing hateful narratives, tactical playbooks and symbols to represent their cause. This database is a tool for identifying the whereabouts, narratives and violent acts of these extremist groups and is intended to be used by law enforcement, tech companies, policymakers, media, advocates, as well as the general public. Various information is listed…

Collage of safety items for emergencies while driving.

The Wheels of Justice October 9, 2023

The Wheels of Justice Sept/Oct 2023

SERGEANT JAMES POST COPS, CRIMES, CRASHES, AND CRUISERS Welcome to the latest installment of “The Wheels of Justice,” originating from the hot, hot Ozarks (I know, it’s hot everywhere). Sit down, pour yourself a cool anything and take a break while you catch up on the latest in our world of the four Cs. Crime and Crashes We’ve talked before about the huge problem across the US of catalytic converter thefts. Despite numerous federal and local agency task forces making…

Police officer standing on city sidewalk

Technology October 5, 2023

Traffic Safety and Enforcement Fundamentals

Ron LaPedis While many local departments might consider traffic safety and enforcement to be the bread and butter of the state police or highway patrol, it is an important topic for every jurisdiction. Traffic encompasses a broad range of topics. While speeding might come to mind, it also encompasses traffic calming; street and lane closures; special event and temporary parking layouts; construction zones; parking zone and meter enforcement; funeral processions; checkpoints; and first day of school confusion. It doesn’t matter…

Technology October 4, 2023

Key Steps to Managing a Cybercrime Scene

Ron LaPedis A cybercrime scene is much more challenging for investigators to manage than a physical crime scene. To address these challenges, law enforcement needs to continuously adapt and innovate to effectively combat cyber threats and ensure justice is served in the digital age. Cops receive training in the academy, as well as guidance by their FTO and senior partner on how to handle a physical crime scene. For example, before entering a suspected bomb builder’s lair, you already know…

News October 4, 2023

SROs Play a Critical Role in Combatting Human Trafficking

Published by the Office for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), this article discusses how young people may be particularly vulnerable to human trafficking simply because they are young and may be less equipped to make informed and sound decisions. This is why School Resource Officers (SROs) are in a unique position to recognize and respond to potential victims. As an SRO, you may be able to notice signs that something is wrong in a student’s life during your daily job…

News October 2, 2023

Free Online Guide to Legislation Affecting Police

In the past few years, there’s been a significant increase in state bills which impact law enforcement agencies. Bills have included everything from the procurement of new early intervention systems to de-escalation training to new data transparency laws. It can be hard to keep up with what’s been approved, what’s pending, and what the bills include. Vector Solutions is now offering a free online guide to recently approved law enforcement legislation in each state. The online guide is an interactive Web…