Ralph Mroz photo by Maxim Potkin How do you know which knife is right for you? Tactical Knives magazine first began as a quarterly periodical back in 1995, published by (now defunct) Harris Publications. I wrote for Tactical Knives magazine for 16 years. During that time, between the knives which went across my desk and the ones I otherwise got to handle or play with, I must have worked with, to a greater or lesser degree, over 1,000 knives from…
Eugene Nielsen The ability to engage and hit targets in low light scenarios is critical to officer survival. The importance of low light shooting skills isn’t diminished during daylight hours. During the day, there are many situations in which officers are faced with reduced or inconsistent light. Ambient light isn’t the only factor. Your visual acuity will be further reduced by the fact that you and your assailant will frequently be in motion prior to, and during, a shooting. And,…
Ralph Mroz If you see anything wrong with my reasoning, please feel free to correct me. I’ve been reading articles which claim that dynamic tactical entries are dangerous and outdated and that a more methodical “slice the pie/don’t enter until you’ve visually cleared almost all of the room” approach is the current standard. These posts are written by ex-Special Forces guys from both the US and allies, but they are preaching to law enforcement folks. While I don’t for a minute…
Ralph Mroz I dislike the term “go bag” because it’s often not accurate. Sometimes, they are used in “go” situations; other times, in “return” situations; and, sometimes, they just haul stuff around. What are called “go bags” are really just gear hauling bags – better referred to as “ready bags.” They are distinguished from paper grocery sacks and generic gym bags by 1) their sturdy materials and construction; 2) their suitability for traversing rough terrain (urban or wilderness); and 3)…
Joshua Logan Many agencies have determined that building and maintaining a SWAT team is far beyond their means. However, a solution does exist. Most everyone knows that the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and other big agencies have a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team; in fact, they have several of them and whole support groups which go along with them. What many don’t realize is that most agencies don’t come anywhere close to…
Eugene Nielsen The Noise Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD), also commonly referred to as a flash sound diversionary device, diversionary device, Distraction Device® or flashbang, has become an essential tool of the trade for tactical teams. NFDDs are designed to produce dramatic pyrotechnics which are intended to provide a brief distraction without causing permanent injury. Although often used generically, the term “Distraction Device” is a registered trademark of Safariland®/Defense Technology®. NFDDs may be divided into two categories – those that only…
Bill Siuru, Ph.D., PE Law enforcement, including S.W.A.T. teams, are under ever increasing scrutiny by administrators, the media and the public in general. Thus, complete and accurate records are vital in order to address any queries or concerns with accurate details. Teams must also manage their equipment, including firearms, munitions, vehicles, and other miscellaneous items, so that they know the status of each, such as being in-service, under repair, requiring repair, or need to be replaced. And, of course, there…
Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis Dateline 2017: Two heavily armed suspects in a high-intensity drug trafficking area barricaded themselves in a car. Cleveland (Ohio) Division of Police uniform patrol officers called for a SWAT assist. SWAT responded in their Dragoon Patroller, an Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV), nicknamed “Mother II.” Cuyahoga County (OH) Sheriff’s Office SWAT also responded in their Lenco BearCat® ARV. Both law enforcement vehicles, Mother II and the sheriff’s BearCat, sandwiched the suspects’ car in between them. Even…
Todd Burke, Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis Having a solid medical component integrated into your tactical team is not just an option. According to the National Tactical Officers Association’s (NTOA’s) list of “best practices” in 2003, it is a standard. Sixteen years before the NTOA’s best practices were presented, the “Tactical EMS School” was created by four active police paramedics who recognized the need to deliver true medical support into the inner perimeter. The school offered a way to bring…
Mickey Davis, Jim Weiss, Bob O’Brien, and Mark Prince P&SN looks at the SWAT standards and performance of three separate law enforcement agencies in the US. How might these compare to your own department or agency? Although there may not be any current national or state SWAT officer standards in the United States, recommendations and guidelines are put forth by organizations such as the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy and California POST Commission on…