-
How law school changed a police officer’s view on the death penalty
Terri L. Wilkin Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityAs a state trooper, I had preset beliefs about the criminal justice system and the individuals with whom I dealt daily. I was very conservative and looked at issues as black and white with no middle ground: If you did the crime, you needed to do the time.
-
Research closing in on devices to detect ‘high’ driving
Dr. Denise A. Valenti Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityThe ability to detect driver impairment due to marijuana with a simple biologic test similar to the breathalyzers used for alcohol is almost here. The products under investigation are targets for late-night comedians — such as Conan O'Brien spoofing the University of Akron's Cannibuster — but the need is serious.
-
Smile for the camera: Cockpit recorders are here to stay
Mark Huber Transportation Technology & AutomotiveSurveillance cameras are everywhere today — where we shop, live, work and drive. In our post-9/11 world, it seems like they are in every shopping mall and on every street corner. Some are placarded with signs, some are hidden, but they are there, and there is no escaping it.
-
Time to exit the ‘fire bubble’ and embrace preventive maintenance
David Cain Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityAccounts of budget-challenged Detroit firefighters using pop cans, coins, door hinges, pipes and doorbells to get emergency alerts were alarming to say the least. But, in many ways, it's all too similar to fire departments continuing to use unreliable, outdated paper logs for equipment and apparatus maintenance checks.
-
Exploring leadership issues in police work
Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityRecent incidents have put police officers throughout the United States under a microscope, with their every action under strict scrutiny. Officers at every rung of the ladder are being questioned and reviewed at every turn. In this scenario, it is natural that the nature of police leadership is under scrutiny as well.
-
What should you do when your pistol fails to go into battery?
Eric Lamberson Recreation & LeisureI have always been somewhat skeptical when I've heard stories of rounds detonating in the ejection port — no longer. In the past, a common response to the slide of a pistol failing to go into battery was striking the rear of the slide. However, as we see in this case, that may not be a good idea and indeed could be dangerous.
-
Halloween safety: Reflect on it
Dr. Denise A. Valenti Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityDuring night and dusk hours, what you wear as well as where you wear it can be crucial for visibility to drivers. This is especially important this time of year as drivers need to see the pint-sized Halloween ghouls out and about seeking candy in time to stop.
-
Drones are a rapidly developing issue — on both sides of the law
Bob Kowalski Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityWe've heard plenty about drones recently, but even with all that information, we still can't figure out the answer to this question: Whose side are they on? There's little doubt drones are capable of providing beneficial services and performing tasks that cannot be accomplished by people or other devices. They also hold the potential to bring headaches to law enforcement agencies around the world — a situation that has already begun.
-
7 trigger control errors and how to fix them
Ben Findley Recreation & LeisureIn my years of training shooters, I have observed major trigger control errors in my students. I have also experienced several of these mistakes myself, so I want to share some advice to help other shooters.
-
Are you sure your maintenance checks are current?
David Cain Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityWhat's cheaper — fighting a fire or preventing one? While the answer is obvious, the same line of reasoning somehow seems to elude fire departments when it comes to maintenance of their apparatus and equipment. Why? In part, it's because of the proverbial "head in the sand" mentality to ignore issues that aren't imminent threats. Adding to the mix is the workload of today's firefighters, who generally are focused most on acute challenges, not potential problems.
All Law Enforcement, Defense & Security Articles