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Technology July 22, 2026

The Modern Tactical Team: Building Capability without Overloading the Operator

John G. Stephenson Walk through any tactical equipment display or team staging area today and one thing is clear: Modern SWAT operators have more options than ever – better armor, lighter helmets and improved communications. Thermal devices, night vision, drones, robots, rifles, optics, breaching tools, medical gear, less-lethal options, tactical vehicles, and a growing list of specialty equipment all promise to make teams safer and more capable. Most of it can be valuable. The problem is that every new piece…

News July 16, 2026

National Law Enforcement Museum Announces Digital Exhibit Exploring 250 Years of American Law Enforcement 

The National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC, recently announced the launch of a new digital exhibit, Preserving Democracy: Law Enforcement in the New Nation, offering visitors an in-depth look at the early history of American law enforcement and its evolution alongside the nation. Created in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, the online exhibit explores how law enforcement developed from colonial era systems such as sheriffs, constables and night watches into the more organized, professional agencies which emerged in the…

Legal Update June 30, 2026

Legal Update

By Larry E. Holtz, Esq. Supreme Court: Using a Routine Wristlock to Move a Resistant Protester Does Not Violate the US Constitution On the day of the governor’s inauguration in Vermont, roughly 200 demonstrators gathered at the State House, where some, including Shela Linton, staged a sit-in to press for universal healthcare. As evening fell and the capitol closed to the public, 29 protesters remained in the legislative chamber, seated on the floor with their arms linked. Police officers warned…

Busted June 25, 2026

Busted!

By James L. McClinton, Ph.D. Llamaforcement… Police were hot on the heels of a thief they were chasing, until they lost him when he leapt over a fence and onto a farmer’s property. As it turns out, that was not a wise move. This farmer has eight llamas on his property and these are animals which are very possessive about their territory. The llamas, which can reach a height of six feet and are well-known for their nasty habit of…

News June 23, 2026

New Resource Available for National Blue Alert Network

The National Blue Alert Network supports the use and integration of Blue Alert plans throughout the United States in order to rapidly disseminate information to law enforcement agencies, the media and the public to aid in the apprehension of violent criminals who have killed or seriously injured an officer in the line of duty. Blue Alerts can also be issued when a suspect poses an imminent and credible threat to law enforcement, or when an officer is missing in the line…

....and nothing but the truth June 18, 2026

AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

By Ramesh Nyberg Operation Eclipse: When the World Gets It Right Is there any crime worse than that which hurts a child? I’ve asked myself that question more times than I can count and I’ve never arrived at a satisfying answer – because I don’t believe one exists. In 21 years of working homicide in Miami-Dade County, I encountered nearly every variety of human cruelty imaginable. I saw what people do to one another in moments of rage, greed, jealousy,…

Training & Education June 16, 2026

Training Officers to Stop Big Rigs Safely

By Michael T. Rayburn What Supervisors Should Reinforce Before, During and After Commercial Vehicle Stops Law enforcement has seen too many recent examples of officers grabbing onto moving vehicles, reaching into driver compartments or physically attaching themselves to vehicles to keep someone from driving away. The intent may be understandable. The result can be catastrophic. That risk increases sharply when the vehicle is a tractor-trailer (a recent example can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/2n73vzpw). No officer can physically stop a 30,000…

Weaponry June 11, 2026

Off Duty Carry: Risks, Realities and Readiness

By Mike Boyle Off duty carry offers critical protection, but safe, effective use depends on judgment, training and knowing when to intervene. A unique aspect of American law enforcement is that officers may carry a firearm while off duty. This practice has long been supported by police unions, administrators and officers themselves. Unions back it because officers may be called upon to take enforcement action even when off the clock. Administrators have also favored the idea, recognizing the value of…

News June 9, 2026

BJS Releases Two New Publications

The Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, released Crime Known to Law Enforcement, 2024 and The Nation’s Two Crime Measures, 2015–2024 recently. Crime Known to Law Enforcement, 2024 presents national and subnational estimates of crime offenses and victimizations for violent and property crime. Findings in this report, the second in an annual series, are based on BJS’s and the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Estimation Program. NIBRS collects detailed information on crime…

Training & Education June 4, 2026

The Limits of Qualification: Preparing Officers for Real Gunfights

By Larry J. Nichols Too often, law enforcement firearms training is built around passing a test instead of surviving a violent encounter. Protection means shielding yourself from injury, danger or loss. For many people, that means buying a firearm, installing cameras or reinforcing a home. Those measures may create a sense of security, but they require limited skill. Defense is different. Defense is active. It means responding to a real attack and fighting through a violent encounter. To survive that…