I’d like to thank Jerry Boyd for his excellent article, “Is Tactical Overworked?” (From The Chief, May 2014). Having been in law enforcement for three decades and as a senior lead instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and now as the owner of a law enforcement training company, I’ve watched an interesting phenomenon develop over time with “tactical” gear and something called “high tech.” We’ve got high tech gadgets coming out of our ears. I’m all for the latest in advanced technology, but not at the expense of forgetting the basics — the time-honored principles every officer must know. No matter how fancy the technology gets, at some point it’s a human being — the officer — who has to go deal with the domestic dispute, the armed robbery, the bar fight. It’s the officer who has to go hands-on (arrest, handcuff, search, transport and sometimes fight) with the suspect. Until a technology is invented that can do all those things, we’ve got to be better at the basics. It may not sound as exciting, but it’s what keeps us alive and stops us from getting physically attacked.
Phil Carlson
Command Presence
Training Associates
I Spite Thee …
I have a couple of issues with the June 2014 issue. In “A Compendium Of Concepts” (Vantage Point) you wrote about cutting off your nose. I agree with your every thought and point in your column. I did quite a bit of grant writing in my time on the department and I know what’s out there just for the asking. And I don’t ever confuse advertising with editorial. But I have to say you guys sometimes let them meld just a bit. Take this issue’s story on Velocity Systems. Is it advertising or editorial? Hey, it’s okay with me. I learned a few things from a good story. Just don’t claim it doesn’t happen.
Let’s get back to the nose thing. You’re a good writer, Suzi — a real good writer. I would love to have seen some of your patrol reports. And you know using colloquialisms can both add a little zest to the story and make the reader a bit more comfortable. But when you use them, get ’em right. You wrote, “… and it’s cutting your nose off despite your face.” Is this the way you know the saying or did you just goof up? Surely you know it’s, “Cutting off your nose to spite your face.” I’ve always thought it was a pretty damned dumb saying anyway — who’d do such a thing and why would anyone want to spite their own face? But at least it makes a little more sense my way, don’t you think?
Steve Switzer
Lt. Retired, LASD
I must fall on my sword and admit I goofed. I love idioms and I’m pretty good at catching others when they botch ’em, but in this case I’m the one enjoying an egg facial. Thanks for slapping me back to reality … SH
Who Are You?
After reading “Lighting Up Your Beat” (May 2014) I’d like to know what experience does the author (Aimee Grant) have with running low/no light? Is she former or active military or law enforcement? I’m asking because I’ve rarely seen the Rogers Rail Lite or Safariland RLS used in classes. It’s definitely not used by military, and I have yet to see it on any LEO sidearms. This article sounds more like an advertisement than a user-based, experience-driven write up.
Ryan Hey
Via COP web site
Well Ryan, I’m glad you asked about Aimee. She’s a former Marine and is a full-time cop in Southern California, so she certainly knows her way around guns and lights. I caution you not to be so snarky. Just because you personally haven’t used or seen a product used, doesn’t mean the product isn’t valid. These products are perfect for someone (plainclothes officer) who may need a light but doesn’t want to have to permanently mount one — or buy a separate holster. Think about it. SH
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