Bob Johnson's Toughbook Stuff

Thinking of Adding A K9 Unit: What You Should Know

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:19:00 +0000

The are multiple benefits to having a K9 unit in any police department. K9s are more agile and have a significantly better sense of smell than humans. This makes them more efficient at clearing buildings, tracking suspects or missing persons, seeking out drugs or explosives, and even locate accelerants in arson investigations. However, there is a lot more to starting a K9 unit than having a large police vehicle and getting a dog.

There is a significant start up cost involved in starting a K9 unit. Initial start up costs include purchasing a dog, equipment, proper transportation, food, vets, and training. So, what can you look to spend?

The Dog - Purchase of a pre-trained adult dog will range between $4500-$15,000. Reputable vendors will have warranties with their dogs, such as replacement if the dog develops a health issue or is deemed not to be a good fit within a few months of purchase.
The Vehicle - You can either purchase a vehicle specifically built for K9 units (which are going to cost slightly more than standard SUVs or cruisers). These vehicles come with installed kennels, rear cooling systems, spill proof water dishes, heat alarms, and automatic door openers. These items are essential for keeping your dog safe while in the vehicle (both with an officer and without), and allows the dog to be released from the vehicle in an officer distress.
The Vet - K9s are exposed to many more dangers than a common household pet. They can be exposed to excessive heat/cold and they can be injured in the line of duty (such as through stabbings or gun shot wounds). It is important that a 24-hour veterinarian who has experience in police dogs is a necessity.
The Training - Most K9s will come pre-trained by the company you purchase them from. However, it is necessary at purchase to train your handler. This makes sure that the dog and the handler are a good match and that all training the dog has previously received is understood. K9s also require continuous training, similar to that of officers, to keep their skills fresh.
The Handler - Although this officer will still perform regular duties, they will also be required to take full responsibility for the K9. Many departments have K9s live with their handlers (which is also recommended by many trainers). If you do not currently have a member of your department who can devote both their on-duty and off-duty time to a K9, you will need to bring on an additional member as a K9 Handler.

It is also important to remember that there are going to be significant costs in maintaining a K9 unit as well. There are obvious expenses such as vehicle maintenance and well-check vet visits. Often overlooked costs include the extra pay for the handler (as they are working a 24/7/365 job) and dog replacement. Police dogs are generally around 2 years of age at the time of purchase; on average they are retired around 7-10 years of age. This means approximately every five years you will need to replace your K9s. Also, as they age, they are more likely to be prone to health issues (because of the breeds often used, they are prone to hip and knee issues as they age).

However, there are grant opportunities available for the purchase of K9s. Grants vary on a state-by-state basis, but can significantly off-set the initial and follow-up costs.

If you are willing to dedicated the finances, time, and training to a K9, more information regarding K9 programs can be found through the US Police Canine Association and the North American Police Work Dog Association. You should also talk with a local department about their experiences as well.

VirTra Systems: Judgmental Use-Of-Force & Firearms Simulator

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:30:00 +0000

VirTra Systems is one of the leading manufacturers of firearms simulators. They specialize in both military and law enforcement training, however, this blog will focus on the law enforcement training simulators.

The world can be a very dangerous place. Law enforcement officers are expected to make the correct decision, with excellent marksmanship, in split-second life-and-death situations. The better and more realistic the training, the greater the chance the trainee will succeed when lives hang in the balance and threats are real! Customers throughout the world buy our simulators for realistic training so that trainees have better chances to succeed in their missions and survive lethal encounters.

VirTra Systems simulators are one of the best when it comes to training for judgemental-use-of-force and marksmanship. The simulators start as (highly portable) single-screen units, such as the VirTra 100 LE. This unit is small enough that it can be placed into a classroom setting. It comes with various scenarios that were created by veteran law enforcement officials. Training is supported for pistols, rifles, shotguns, TASER, OC sprays, and impact devices. An optional CO2 upgrade can be utilized to simulate the recoil of the weapons, making for a more accurate training experience.

The VirTra 100 LE is able to be upgraded, either at time of purchase or as financial budgets allow, to either the VirTra 180 LE or the VirTra 300 LE. The VirTra 180 LE consists of three connected screens for the simulation. The highest standard for training is the VirTra 300 LE, which consists of five screens and give the trainees a 300 degree fully immersive surround of the training environment. Combined with the optional Threat-Fire device (that simulates return fire), this simulator creates a highly realistic and intense training simulation.

There is currently a grant opportunity for VirTra Systems simulators being offered through PoliceOne.com.

To learn more about these simulators you can request information from VirTra Systems and/or check out the following video:

FAAC Inc. Offering Grants for Driving Simulators

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:39:00 +0000

FAAC Incorporated is one of the most well-recognized software and systems engineering companies. The majority of their products are for the US Government. They include products such as avionics training, weapon guidance, sensors, electronic warfare, training ranges, and threat air defenses (such as surface-to-air missiles). However, they have more recently begun developing products for the public sector, such as driving simulators.

FAAC Incorporated has driving simulators for all the major aspects of public safety: fire, police, and EMS. All simulators are comprised of true-to-life controls and components, allowing for full reproduction of curb jumps, road vibration, creating a "real" driving sensation. With the five high-resolution viewing screens, the driver has an accurate and realistic driving view. The system also allows for the integration of your MDT (mobile data terminal).

Each simulator comes equipped with multiple driving simulations. This diminishes the possibility of officers learning the simulations, and forces them to continuously test their skills. Simulations can be paused and/or replayed by the instructor to correct any issues with the decisions or actions of the driver. This creates one of the best teaching environments, as any issues are corrected immediately.

To find out how you can assist your department in getting grant assistance to obtain a driving simulator, check out this press release from FAAC Incorporated:

FAAC Incorporated is pleased to announce its participation in a program to link emergency response and public safety departments with grant funding opportunities.

In today’s tough economic environment, dollars are scarce and many city and county budgets are being cut and large capital expenditures are being postponed or eliminated. The amount of grant dollars and stimulus funding – both federal and private – available for police, fire, and EMS, has remained strong, yet many departments are unfamiliar with the grant process and lack the knowledge or resources to successfully apply for grants.

“The assistance program takes the mystery out of matching the correct grant funding source with the specific need of the department,” said Bill Martin, FAAC’s Public Safety Business Manager. “Sometimes the biggest hurdle when purchasing a driver training simulation system is to find that single funding source that will match your need from all the grant information out there – that is why this grant assistance program is so important these public safety departments.”

To assist the effort of matching the needs of the industry with the proper funding avenues, FAAC is underwriting a grant assistance program managed by FireRescue1, PoliceOne, and EMS1 websites to assist those interested in purchasing driver training simulation. This financial initiative is part of the FAAC Customer for Life Philosophy to give back and be a partner in the industry that serves us all so well.

“The grant assistance program is our way to reach out and support the hard-working folks who want to improve their driver training programs,” said Mike McLelland, customer experience manager. “This assistance gives departments who otherwise would not be able to fund a simulator system the ability to get into the running for grant dollars to support safe driving initiatives.

Law enforcement agencies interested in obtaining grant location assistance can visit the website here: http://www.policegrantshelp.com/company-page/FAAC/

Fire departments interested in obtaining grant location assistance can visit the website here: http://www.firegrantshelp.com/company-page/FAAC/

EMS departments interested in obtaining grant location assistance can visit the website here: http://www.emsgrantshelp.com/company-page/FAAC/

Those interested in receiving assistance locating appropriate grant sources simply can go to the websites above and fill out a form that asks for basic information plus how you intend to use the driver training simulator, amount of grant assistance requested, and staffing profile

Fire Dog Services Program

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Today I stumbled upon an amazing company that works to help fire departments and their communities. Fire Dog Services Program donates turnout gear to departments that are in need.

There aren't many departments around who haven't felt the budgetary cutbacks in our current economy. For some, these cutbacks have been detrimental...leaving departments with gear that is not only outdated but often times non-compliant with current NFPA standards. For departments dealing with these types of financial difficulties, getting new NFPA compliant gear would be a dream. However, many of them would more than happily take in any gear that would be safe enough to use in the field.

This is where your department can help! If your department has recently upgraded (or is looking to upgrade) turnout gear, you can donate your old (or simply unneeded) gear to Fire Dog Services Program. They accept gear in any condition. They have a rigorous screening process that separates the gear into serviceable and recyclable categories. Serviceable gear is donated for day to day fire fighting operations. Recyclable gear is donated for Junior/Explorer programs and for training purposes.

There is a use for all of your old and unneeded turnout gear! Fire Dog Services Program receives 34+ requests per month for gear (gear required for departments to adequately service their communities). Keeping up with that kind of demand is very challenging, as many departments need full gear for five or more members. Support others in the fire service community, and please consider recycling your old, worn out turnout gear! There is also a need for helmets, boots, serviceable quality equipment (such as nozzles, even nonworking ones), and promotional gear. To make a donation contact Fire Dog Services via their website or email.

To learn more about how this program affects the departments in need, check out their testimonial page!

Philadelphia PD Launches Real-Time Crime Center

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:07:00 +0000

The Philadelphia Police Department has recently made a major technological change in their policing. They are now one of the ten police departments in the United States with a Real-Time Crime Center. The Real-Time Crime Center is a 24-hour hub of video surveillance, databases and various other resources.

The center has been in the works for nearly four years, and has been in the planning stages for the last two. As of last month, it is now up and running 24-hours a day. The center collects surveillance camera data from throughout the city. Officers in the center can see all of the video as well as are alerted to any 911 calls that are placed. This gives them the ability to pull up camera images in real-time during the crime (or emergency). This allows them to give officers in the field immediate pertinent information regarding the suspects' location and description.

Along with using the city's surveillance system, the Real-Time Crime Center also has access to all of the SEPTA cameras. Private residents are able to register their cameras as well through a program called SafeCam. By registering your private surveillance cameras (of your home or business), the Philadelphia Police Department is aware that you may have captured evidence of a crime based on the location of your cameras. According to the SafeCam website, you will only be contacted by the police department for footage in the event that it is likely you captured evidence. Private citizens have the right to terminate their registration in this program at any time.

The center is also running automated license plate software. Utilizing infrared light, the scanners are able to scan upwards of 400,000 plates per week. Scanners work on vehicles traveling at speeds upwards of 140mph. In the month that these scanners have been operational, the department has been able to recover 50 vehicles that had been reported stolen.

The center is still not 100% operational. They are still in the process of developing a major database that will contain information on incidents, criminal complaints, arrest records and photographs, parole and probation databases, national crime databases, and crime mapping systems. Currently, navigating all of those databases can take officers 30 minutes or more. Once the crime center's combined database is up and running, a thorough search of those databases should take online minutes.

To see how the Real-Time Crime Center works, check out this video from the NYPD. They were the first city to develop a Real-Time Crime Center, and it made a significant impact on the crime rates in their city.

Vote YES: Smyrna (DE) Police Building Referendum

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:23:00 +0000

Smyrna Police Department

On April 30, 2012 residents of Smyrna, DE have the opportunity to vote for an upgrade to the building utilized by the Smyrna Police Department. This issue has been added to the referendum of the 2012 Smyrna Town Council Election. Elections will be held from 1pm-8pm at Citizens' Hose Company. The referendum does not guarantee that a new police department will be built, but it will show the council what the residents of Smyrna would like to happen.

There is a need for a new police department building. From the most basic perspective, the town of Smyrna has grown significantly in the past several years. This creates a larger area the officers must patrol, which has increased the number of officers and vehicles required to keep Smyrna safe. These increases have made the police officers outgrow their own department. Currently several officers are actually utilizing offices located in the public works building. Having officers need to travel back and forth between buildings in order to do simple tasks is a hindering on their ability to efficiently do their jobs and aid the citizens of the community.

Furthermore, due to the age of the current police department building, it does not meet the requirements for accreditation. Accreditation of the police department makes them eligible for federal grant funding. Although this might not seem important, federal grant funding significantly decreases funding required by the community for the department. Through various federal agencies funding can be acquired to cover the costs of new police cruisers, technology equipment (such as their recently awarded Panasonic Toughbook), training, and various other items that assist in the policing abilities of the department.

Chief Wil Bordley

Although the department building is covered under a grandfather clause with the Department of Justice, the holding cells in the current building do not meet current day compliance standards. The minimal amount of holding facilities in the current building do not allow for the appropriate division of men, women, and juveniles. When there is an influx of suspects, the officers are sometimes forced to use the processing and interview areas as holding cells.

Proposed Police Department

These are all issues that would be fully addressed in the construction of a new police building. The new proposed 26,900 square foot facility would be on the existing site of the current police department on Glenwood Avenue but would expand to the old Public Works building, which would be demolished. The new facility, if approved, will include a first floor, sally port, renovation of the existing building, and a basement. The new building would also be prepared to deal with continued increased growth of the town of Smyrna.

The cost of the new police department is estimated to be up to $4.9 million. However, that estimate is a worst-case scenario, and it is expected to be built for significantly less. In terms of taxes, taxes could go up 4.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. Although no resident likes to hear that a tax increase will occur, for the majority of homeowners in the town of Smyrna, that increase equates to only $4-$8/month.

The Pitfalls of Social Networking

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:51:00 +0000

We've written before about the benefits of Facebook for police departments. However, private Facebook profiles can have some pretty detrimental consequences for officers (police, fire, and EMS) if they are not careful.

Cases of inappropriate Facebook conduct by officers can be seen throughout Facebook and the news. One of the most high profile lately is that of (now former) Secret Service Agent David Chaney. He posted a photo of himself guarding Sarah Palin. Had it stopped there, there would have been nothing inappropriate about the post. However, he then proceeded to mention that he was "really checking her out." Because this photograph was taken of him while he was in the course of performing his duties, it was grossly inappropriate to make a comment like that. At the time, he probably thought nothing of it and figured it would be humorous to his friends. However, when combined with the high profile Columbian prostitute scandal, his personal Facebook page has quickly become a national sensation. It even forced him to resign from the Secret Service.

In 2011, a gang unit officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico got into some hot water for his listed occupation on Facebook. Again, due to what was probably a lapse in judgement, Officer Trey Economidy listed his profession as "human waste disposal." Again, no one noticed until something happened. Officer Economidy was involved in what was ruled to be a clean on duty suspect shooting. However, reporters found the comment on his Facebook page which forced the department to reprimand him. He was placed on temporary desk duty and then reassigned to out of the gang unit.

A brief Google search of inappropriate police comments will yield pages of news articles depicting inappropriate pictures, comments, and actions being posted by the officers themselves. Comments that have nothing to do with work or that are made in a completely joking manner can be completely misread by others, landing the officers in a great deal of trouble.

Mark A. Marshall, chief of police in Smithfield, Va., and the president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, said, "This is something that all the police chiefs around the country, if you’re not dealing with it, you better deal with it." The content placed on Facebook (or any other social networking website) has the capacity to not just make the officer involved look bad, but it can place a detrimental view on the entire department.

So, how do you protect both yourself and your department?

Think about what you are posting online. Might it offend your mother, wife, coworkers, or chief?
Remember that once it is on the internet, there is no getting it back! It takes only a second for someone to do a screen print and capture an image of your statement or photo. Even if you realize it was in bad taste and delete it, that screen capture is always there.
Keep comments about officer locations to yourself. This is particularly important when referring to undercover officers and those wounded/killed in action. Keeping that information private is vital to the safety of the officer and their family.
If in doubt, pictures of yourself in uniform (or with your cruiser) with scantily clad women is probably a bad idea. So is making comments about how a suspect 'deserved it' or anything that makes you sound as though you don't follow proper policing procedures.
Have a private Facebook page. With appropriate Facebook settings, the only people who can view your posts and pictures are your friends.
Most importantly, know that people are watching! This is particularly true when you find yourself in the middle of an incident... because if there is something to find, people will find it!

Although these ideas might seem silly and insignificant to you, they probably seem like pretty good advice to officers who have lost their jobs, been forced to resign, been reassigned, or had a case thrown out of court because of something they stupidly posted on the internet.

A Better Bullet Proof Vest

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:02:00 +0000

The concept of body armor has been utilized since the Middle Ages. These days the majority of police officers wear armor. Their armor is a second-chance vest, more commonly referred to as a bullet-proof or bullet-resistant vest.

These vests utilize multiple layers of a strong fiber to 'catch' and deform a bullet. Instead of penetrating the vest, the force of the bullet is spread throughout the fibers which deforms the bullet. Although the wearer will suffer the trauma of the force of the bullet, it will not penetrate the skin. Although the fabric of the second-chance vest is not designed to withstand impact of sharp instruments (such as knives), many have the options of adding a metal plate to increase protection of vital areas.

There are various types of vests on the market. Some are lightweight and easy to maneuver in. Some, such as those made of Kevlar, are heavier and less wearer-friendly. Vests also only protect the center of the torso, in an effort to protect vital organs. Do to the force absorbed by the wearer, damage can still occur from the blunt force (similar to being struck with a bat or pipe dependent on the distance of the shot being absorbed). However, a new technology not yet on the market is looking to change that.

BAE Systems, a major defense and security company, is currently working on what can best be referred to as a super gel. The gel is formerly referred to as Shear Thickening Liquid. The liquid has freely suspended particles that bind together when they are disturbed. Stewart Pinney, head of business development at BAE, described it as, "Imagine slowly stirring a container of Shear Thickening Liquid: You would feel little resistance initially, and the faster you stir the more the resistance would increase." In a bullet-resistance mode, the fluid would almost instantaneously lock together when it was hit; both deflecting the bullet and absorbing the impact.

It is speculated that this 'super gel' could actually be used between layers of Kevlar vest. This would give the benefits of Kevlar and the of the super gel. Only, this merged technology vest would be up to 45% thinner and lighter than today's conventional vests (and significantly lighter than today's Kevlar vests). The gel also spreads out the area that the bullet force is absorbed, significantly decreasing the natural inward bend of traditional vests. This significantly reduces the possibility that the wearer will suffer the trauma associated with being hit in a regular vest.

This new technology in body armor is currently still under research. Although it is being designed and tested for use by warfighters in the US Military, BAE Systems is fully aware of the usefulness it would have for first responders such as police officers and ambulance crews.

Need To Add GPS To Your Computer?

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Technology seems to advance at a rate faster than we can keep up with it. It seems like just yesterday that computers/laptops started to come with built-in wireless cards, allowing you to be connected to the internet at home or work. Next was Bluetooth, allowing you to sync multiple Bluetooth devices. Then along came broadband cards, allowing you to be connected to the internet anywhere. More recently, they have started to come with the option of having GPS installed, allowing you to fully utilize mapping software while on the go.

Being able to have GPS built into your MDT (mobile data terminal) is a great option for first responders, as it decreases the number of technological tools users need to utilize in a response. But, what do you do if you have older MDT's or Panasonic Toughbooks that didn't come equipped with GPS? You can add it on! By utilizing a Garmin USB GPS Receiver and Garmin MapSource Software, you can add GPS to any laptop running Windows XP (or newer) that is connected to the broadband.

The Garmin USB GPS units are an OEM, high-sensitivity GPS sensor for use in automotive, fleet vehicle, and electronics applications that require a small, highly accurate GPS receiver. This high-sensitivity, puck-like receiver is 2.4" in diameter and weighs just a few ounces, making it an ideal solution for applications where space is at a premium such as in first responder vehicles.

The features of the Garmin USB GPS include:

Automatically tracks multiple satellites for fast, accurate positioning
Position errors of less than three meters
Compact and rugged design
10-day battery life
Waterproof design

This option eliminates the need to replacing your MDTs/Toughbooks for ones with GPS.

FREE Hands On Domestic Preparedness Training

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:10:00 +0000

The Center for Domestic Preparedness is the US Department of Homeland Security's only federally chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training center. Unlike most training programs for biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive weapons, the one offered by the Center for Domestic Preparedness is hands-on. The training programs offered are the best and most advanced programs for first responders.

Different training courses are offered throughout the year. Some of the types of classes offered include Crime Scene Management for CBRNE Incidents, Law Enforcement Protective Measures for CBRNE Incidents, and Radiological Emergency Response Operations. A full schedule of courses can be viewed on their website. Most training courses have a prerequisite of having completed an AWR-160 or FEMA-approved awareness-level training for CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) response. Some courses do require additional prerequisites; any additional requirements can be found in the registration packet for the course.

Courses offered through the Center for Domestic Preparedness are available for state, local, and tribal responders that are from the following disciplines:

EMA - Emergency Management Agency
EMS - Emergency Medical Services
Fire Services
Government Administrators
Hazardous Materials Personnel
Healthcare Workers (non-EMS)
Law Enforcement
Public Health
Public Safety Communication
Public Works

Previous attendees of these training courses have raved about their formats, education level, and hands-on experiences. Many departments would like attend additional training or send more members of their department to get the same experience, as they feel that this training has better prepared them for emergency response than any other training they have attended

The best part about this training is that it is fully funded by the Department of Homeland Security. DHS covers airfare, transportation, meals and lodging. To register for upcoming training programs, simply visit the Center for Domestic Preparedness website.

Firefighters: How Important Is Physical Fitness?

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:48:00 +0000

Firefighting is dangerous work. Each year, approximately 80,000 firefighters are injured and about 100 firefighters lose their lives in the line of duty. Firefighters face multiple dangers in the course of their work; they encounter toxic fumes, dangerous products of combustion, high radiant heat loads, and a chaotic work environment.

Despite the abundance of dangers, the leading cause of line-of-duty death among firefighters is sudden cardiac event. Sudden cardiac events account for approximately 45% of line-of-duty deaths. Firefighting requires high levels of aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and being in optimal physical condition also significantly decreases the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The safety of the public and the health and safety of firefighters would be enhanced if firefighters followed well-designed fitness programs to improve overall health and fitness.

An excellent basic routine for firefighters to begin implementing is as follows:

Getups – This functional “get up and down” exercise works your body as one unit, utilizing core muscles and balance throughout the major muscle groups.
Crawling – Also called bear crawls, this crawling quad-ped movement improves hip, trunk, and overall body control and is an important element for enhancing physical performance.
Cross Chop – This cross lunge motion is a challenging exercise targeting core muscles, thigh muscles, and arm muscles.
Pushups – Most people are familiar with the pushup but this simple exercise can be modified with one foot, one hand, cross feet, and serpentine modifications.
Deadlift – As part of maintaining back health, the deadlift works lower back, glutials, and hamstrings with use of weights.
Power Sled Pulls/Drags – The sled pull or drag perfectly mimics some of the common movements of carrying hose or heavy equipment.
Cable/Band Pulls – The use of resistance bands to flex the muscles of the back and arms is an extremely effective upper body movement exercise.
Lunges – Another commonly known movement that can be further enhanced with the use of dumbbells.
Step ups – An strong lower body routine that mimics aerobic exercise and can be used in conjunction with weights or dumbbells.
A Core Series – The core muscles are the nexus of strength and a highly vigorous routine will help improve balance, overall strength, performance, and help prevent injury.

These exercises have a high transfer of effect, are also movement based, and will mimic movements you naturally utilize while in action. Along with keeping you in good physical condition, these exercises will strengthen the muscles that are heavily taxed when on a fire call, such as your legs and back.

You can also get creative and work out with simple equipment laying around your department. Check out the following video to see an entire workout series utilizing nothing but department tools and space!

FlashoverTV is powered by FireRescue1.com

Congratulations To Our Newest Win A Toughbook Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:40:00 +0000

HopeHose Humane Co. #1 in Bordentown, NJ was recently presented with a refurbished Panasonic Toughbook CF-19. The receipt of this Toughbook was through a need-based program offered on a quarterly basis by Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff in Smyrna, DE.

Chief Pete Sedor submitted a short essay expressing the need of a Toughbook for his department. Hope Hose Humane Co. #1 was determined as the recipient for this quarter based on the fact that they are a volunteer department that is funded primarily through donations and a yearly allotment from the city of Bordentown. These funds are utilized for mandatory purchases such as training, maintenance, and yearly testing of equipment, leaving them little available for additional items to better serve their community.

The addition of this Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 will have a significant impact on their department and their service to the community. The computer can be utilized to store all of the building preplans and emergency contact information that is necessary to have on hand during an emergency response. At Hope Hose Humane Co. #1, this information is currently being stored in bulky binders that are taking up valuable space in the cabs of their emergency vehicles. According to Chief Pete Sedor, “A Toughbook would immensely help with space, organization and expansion of valuable information needed at emergency scenes.”

Upon learning that his department had been determined as the award recipient, Chief Pete Sedor expressed his gratitude for, “providing Hope Hose Humane Co. #1 and emergency services everywhere the valuable opportunity to receive equipment and technology to help better serve our communities.” Per Jodi Quick, Toughbook Sales Manager at Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff, “This need-based Panasonic Toughbook award program is open to all police, fire, and EMS departments in the U.S. We look forward to helping other departments better serve their communities.” For further information on this program, please contact us via email.

Are You Missing Out On Free Grant Money?

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:27:00 +0000

We've written before about how to get grant money, however, it seems as though a lot of departments are missing out on the opportunity to add (potentially) a significant amount of equipment to their departments through free funding! A brief search online will find literally thousands of available opportunities for police grants and fire grants. The funding opportunities come from federal grant programs, state grant programs, and even corporate grant opportunities.

Tips For Finding Federal/State Funding:

Find, bookmark, and frequently check federal websites such as Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security.
Find, bookmark, and frequently check your state website.
Get on mailing lists for federal/state agencies that offer grants. They announce when new grants come available!
Network with other departments that are seeking grants. They may find a grant opportunity you didn't!
Get involved with committees, task forces, and workshops at the state level. This will aid your networking ability and introduce you more grant opportunities!
Always search a vendors website or call them about grant opportunities for their products. Many of the vendors we have reviewed offer amazing grant programs. Some of them include Tactical Command Industries Inc (tactical headsets), Digital Ally (LIDAR speed guns), FLIR Systems (thermal imagers), and automated license plate readers.

Make Sure Your Grant Gets Reviewed:

The product you are looking to purchase and your department must meet the guidelines of the grant. Be sure to read all of the fine print (product specifications, department size, response area, etc). If your needs don't completely match the grant, look for a different one.
Apply for the high priority items of a grant. For example, if a federal or state grant is looking to help you upgrade police cruisers, request Toughbooks and automated license plate readers over newer sirens and lights. It shows you have a greater need and therefore you are more likely to receive funding.
Show your need! If you are looking to replace/upgrade equipment that is below the current safety standards, be sure to express the percentage of your department that is utilizing sub-par equipment. An entire fire department with outdated turnout gear is more likely to get funded then one that only has 20% outdated gear.
Follow the directions! It sounds simple, but many grants are removed from the review process simply for not following directions. Fully fill out all forms and attach any and all documentation being requested.
Get help! Utilize grant writing services, attend a seminar/training on grant writing, or simply have someone else in your department assist you. A second set of eyes reviewing everything can't hurt!
Start early! This allows you to take your time and fully prepare all of the information you need to submit a grant that will secure you funding.

Small Drones for Local Police Departments

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:04:00 +0000

For the last forty years, AeroVironment has been committed to creating and delivering power new unmanned aircraft, also referred to as drones. In the past they have previously been the primary manufacturer for the Department of Defense or the US Military. These drones have been used in military combat and surveillance situations for decades.

A recent act of legislation opening US skies to unmanned aircraft brings the option of utilizing the drones on our home front as well. AeroVironment is looking to start producing smaller (and less costly) drones for use by local police departments. These drones are currently in place (both in field use and in testing) at some police departments in the US. Departments that have been utilizing them have found them to be quite helpful.

The use of these drones is quite controversial, as some are quite worried about Big Brother watching whatever they want from the sky. However, these drones can be used to safely navigate crime scenes, track suspects, search for missing persons, and much more.

To learn more about drones, check out our previous blog (showing a drone being flown with a Toughbook) and the following video from CBS's This Morning:

Toughbook Repairs & Instructional Videos

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:07:00 +0000

We've previously reviewed the total cost of ownership of Panasonic Toughbooks. In that review, discussed that Panasonic Toughbooks have (on average) a 2.42% failure rate, making them significantly more durable that consumer-line laptops that average an 11-19% failure rate.That 2.42% failure rate means that at some point in time, a very small percentage of Panasonic Toughbooks will have some sort of issue that will need repair. Of course, these issues can be from a hardware issue or from excessively rough usage by the owner.

Did you know that we also produce instructional repair videos which are posted on your YouTube channel, Toughbook Repair How To's? The videos span across the semi- and fully-rugged Toughbook models that are still running in service. They include the CF-52, CF-19, CF-30, CF-29, and CF-28. These videos encompass common basic repair issues such as how to replace a hard drive and how to replace a keyboard. They also cover more in-depth repairs including repairing or replacing internal components (like system boards WLAN cards) and the touchscreen. The videos are very detailed and easy to follow, meaning you don't need to be a computer technician in order to complete the repair.

Worried that your computer technician skills aren't quite good enough to attempt an in-depth repair? We at Bob Johnson's Computer Stuff also offer repairs and refurbishing of Panasonic Toughbooks. This process can be as simple as cleaning up your unit or replacing defective hardware. Contact a representative to learn more about our repairs.

Check out one of our most popular videos, How To Replace The Bezel on a CF-18.

REVIEW: The Hooligan

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Paratech is a an established manufacturer of a wide array of emergency service products. The company can be traced back 1963, although at that time it was under a different name. The bulk of the products are focused on technical rescue, and some of their tools are most utilized in the technical rescue industry.

They are the manufacturers and creators of the Hooligan Tool. The Paratech Hooligan Tool has set the standard of excellence for Hooligan type tools. It has been the world's most popular heavy-duty, forcible-entry tool for more than 35 years.

The Hooligan is designed to pry, pound, puncture, twist, remove and cut open all types of barriers. They come available in lengths of 24", 30", 36", and 42".

With a Hooligan from Paratech, you get:

Heat-treated alloy steel head and claw, permanently press fitted to a 1" stress-proof alloy bar
Machine-grooved, non-slip grips for a secure hold
Gently curved claw maximizes your prying leverage (also doubles as a nail puller and gas shut-off)
Duckbill: Long, smooth incline to force windows and interior doors
Pike: Super-hardened alloy point punctures almost anything
Bright Finish: The standard electroless nickel finish is available for good looks and easy maintenance
Parallel opening for gas valve shutoffs, locks and hasps
Claw radius offers optimal prying leverage
Recessed nail puller
Machine sharpened claws

Hooligan Tools are reasonably priced between $99 to $160, and they can be purchased directly from Paratech or through most firefighter gear companies. Paratech has an entire section of their website dedicated towards user-submitted rescue stories where their tools made a significant impact; check them out to learn more about the versatility of The Hooligan.

2012 COPS Conference

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:27:00 +0000

Registration for the 2012 COPS Conference is now open. Registration is free, however, spots are limited and it is recommended to register early. This conference generally draws attendees from across the country, including command and patrol-level police officers, criminal justice professionals, and community leaders.

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is holding this years conference at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda in Bethesda, MD on August 1-2, 2012. This year the conference is going to focus on The Evolution of Public Safety In America. Utilizing case studies and workshops, they will examine the effects the economy has had on police services throughout the country. They will also explore some major changes that have occurred as a result of rapid technological advances in recent years.

According to Police One, topics that will be addressed are:

Community policing topics that will be addressed:

Operational innovations that promote greater efficiency in performance and cost effectiveness
Strategies for addressing rapidly evolving forms of cyber-crime
Practical guidance for taking advantage of the latest technology tools
Risk-assessment models for more targeted use of scarce resources
Opportunities, trends, and concerns related to collaboration, resource-sharing, and regionalization
The implications of police legitimacy

Session Topics:

Youth Safety
Evolution of Policing
Officer Safety and Wellness
Collaborative Partnerships

Workshops

Cyberbullying
Risk Assessment
Consolidation and Regionalization
Greater Use of Technology
Private/Public Partnerships
Officer Suicide/Wellness
Labor Management
Militarization
Public Health/Public Safety
TAPS Program
And more

For more information on this conference, visit www.copsconference.com/.

Review: Panasonic Toughbook CF-52

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:24:00 +0000

When most people think of Toughbook, their first thoughts are of a CF-30 or CF-19. After all, that is what Toughbooks are primarily known for...the heavy-duty, fully-rugged, water-resistant laptops utilized by police, fire, and EMS departments throughout the United States.

For those that don't plan on mounting their laptops in their vehicle, but still want something durable, there are semi-rugged Toughbook options. A popular semi-rugged Toughbook option would be the CF-52. It has many of the same qualities as the fully-rugged models without the weight or the price-tag.

Casing
The casing of the Panasonic Toughbook CF-52 is similar to that of the fully-rugged models. It has a magnesium alloy casing that is significantly thicker than that of your standard laptop, which protects it from the accidental bumps and knocks that occur with a laptop placed in a briefcase or laptop bag.

Hard Drive
Like the fully-rugged line, the hard drive is fully protected in the Panasonic Toughbook CF-52. The caddy surrounds the hard drive with a protective cushion layer which protects that hard drive against sudden movements or bumps, keeping your data safe.

Water and Dust Resistant

Please note that water resistant is not the same as water proof, however, the CF-52 will withstand minor spills or a brief light misting of rain. All of the ports on the sides of the unit seal of tightly, keeping out dust and liquid spillage. As for the top of the unit, there is a water resistant plate below the keyboard. Although you may ruin your keyboard if you spill on it, the motherboard should remain fully functional.

Drop Resistant

Although we do not recommend dropping your Toughbook to test its durability, the CF-52 is drop-rated. Per Panasonic, the CF-52 is capable of withstanding a one foot drop onto plywood. This would be roughly the equivalent of dropping your briefcase. Note that even if damage were to occur to the casing, the previously mentioned hard drive caddy would protect the data on your hard drive.

Weather Resistant

Like other Panasonic Toughbooks, the CF-52 is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. It will adequately handle being utilized in both extreme cold and extreme heat. This is a great option for anyone who might need to travel with their laptop or leave it in a vehicle for extended periods of time.

Bigger Screen

A major design difference between the semi-rugged and fully-rugged lines of Toughbooks is the ability to get a larger display. The CF-52 comes equipped with a 15" widescreen display, compared to the 13.3" display of the CF-30 and the 10.4" display of the CF-19.

To determine if a semi-rugged laptop is for you, or if you require a fully-rugged one, check out our blogs "What Does Rugged Mean?" and "How To Buy The Right Mobile Computer For Your Department".

LIDAR Speed Guns

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:51:00 +0000

Digital Ally is a technology-driven company specializing in advanced digital video police cameras and law enforcement surveillance equipment. The are the makers of the most advanced LIDAR speed gun available. Digital Ally’s LIDAR and video systems offer the features and reliability you need.

Laser Ally™ LIDAR Speed Guns are a new breakthrough in hand-held LIDAR speed detectors. Designed in conjunction with one of the leading experts in LIDAR, they provide...

Extreme Accuracy -

Pinpoint the speed and direction of a vehicle in single or multi-lane traffic. Unlike with traditional RADAR, laser speed detectors utilize an extremely narrow beam, allowing speed detection and targeting to be unaffected by traffic congestion.

Cutting Edge Anti-Jamming Technology -

Laser Ally Speed Guns were the only LIDAR systems not detected or jammed in a recent third-party test against LIDAR jammers.

Total Reliability -

Laser Ally Speed Guns are ruggedized. They are built for heavy use, and they are waterproof for harsh environmental conditions. They are amazingly fast and accurate with anti-jamming technology, and provide complete courtroom credibility. The gun's body is composed of a polycarbonate ABS blend for strength and chemical resistance. Critical alignment components are tied together by a second internal die cast metal structure to withstand a drop without requiring realignment.

Laser Ally LIDAR Speed Guns Feature:

Small, Light & Balanced

Incredible, Extended Range

Extremely Fast Acquisition Time

Advanced Anti-Jamming

Tree, Fence, etc. Obstruction Mode

Superior Weather Mode

True Continuous Tracking with Audio

Internal Electronic Tests, Software Verification & Digitally Locked High Speed Timing

True Color 1:1 Head-Up Display for Accurate Vehicle Colors & No Eye Strain

Models Available for Still Image & Video Recording

Optional Folding 8x Monocular HUD Scope for Extended Range Identification

Easy To Use Menu

Improved Alignment Stability

Integrates with Digital Ally DVM & Ultra Video Systems

Optional Water-Resistant, Portable Ticket Printer

32-Hour Battery Life with Auto Sleep Mode

Waterproof & Impact Resistant

In-The-Field Software Upgradeable

Grant opportunities for LIDAR speed guns are available at various online funding sites. Digital Ally also offers various financing and purchasing options to ease the burden of the purchasing process.

30-Day Trial On Tactical Headsets

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Tactical Command Industries, Inc. is a communication integration company with expertise and focus on tactical communication headsets. They provide standard commercial products as well as customized solutions. Their primary customers include law-enforcement, military, and various defense contractors.

TCI is a different from other tactical communication companies, as it was founded by tactical professions who combined have over several-thousands of hours of tactical training and mission work. The experience and expertise of TCI's founders enable them to truly understand the requirements of their customers, allowing them to create and develop products that deliver solutions and exceed customer expectations time and time again.

The product line offered by TCI is diverse and has an option for virtually all tactical teams. A catalog can be requested to view their full product line. The Liberator II (pictured right) is one of the newest lines from TCI. It was recently featured on Sons of Guns (Discovery Channel) during the testing of a Super Tommy Gun.

TCI has a remarkable no-obligation, 30-day headset evaluation program. This program is available to all qualified government and law enforcement end users. To participate in the 30-day evaluation, simple fill out the Evaluation Request Form. Once the form is received, you will be contacted by TCI to set up your evaluation.

Senator Coons (DE) Honorary Chair of Emergency Responder Safety Institute

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:04:00 +0000

U.S. Senator Chris Coons has been selected to serve as the honorary chair of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association’s Emergency Responder Safety Institute, which serves as an advisory group committed to reducing death and injuries to emergency responders operating on the highways helping others.

The Institute was formed to address the increasing number of injuries and deaths due to secondary accidents involving fire, law enforcement, transportation and towing and recovery personnel while they provide assistance on nation’s roadways. The Institute has received three national awards for its work in this important area and is recognized as a leader in highway incident scene safety.

“Growing up and living in Delaware has given me a sincere appreciation of the sacrifices our state’s first responders make on a daily basis,” Senator Coons said. “I am grateful to be named honorary chair of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association’s Emergency Responder Safety Institute. I look forward to working even more closely with first responders to improve the safety of our country’s emergency personnel who are sadly still too often injured and killed serving our communities.”

A longtime advocate for emergency responders, Senator Coons was a co-sponsor and vocal supporter of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009, which was passed in December and was signed into law in January. The bill, which was the first piece of legislation Senator Coons co-sponsored, provides federal funding for medical monitoring and treatment for responders and survivors exposed to toxins at Ground Zero – including 61 first responders from Delaware.

In his four years as County Council President and six as County Executive in New Castle County, Senator Coons fought to protect first responders and improve fire dispatch, opened a new, state of the art public safety headquarters, and supported efforts to increase the number of county police officers in the force and on patrol. Sadly during his tenure as County Executive Firefighter/EMT Michele Smith of the Delaware City Fire Company lost her life when she was struck by a hit and run driver as she treated an accident victim near New Castle.

Created as a committee of the 110 year old Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association, the Emergency Responder Safety Institute serves as an advisory group of public safety leaders and transportation experts committed to reducing deaths and injuries to America's emergency responders.

Article retrieved from ResponderSafety.com

FLIR Thermal Night Vision

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:12:00 +0000

FLIR Systems thermal imagers are powerful tools in the fight against crime. They allow officers to see suspects in total darkness, through smoke, moderate fog, and light foliage. A FLIR handheld thermal imager allows you to see the suspect, without revealing your location. If your agency already has an airborne unit using a FLIR camera, you will understand the power of this technology.

The new FLIR H-Series Bi-Ocular camera gives law enforcement officers the ability to see more and see farther in infrared than with other low-light night vision goggles. Featuring a full coverage eyepiece, inter-ocular adjustment, ergonomic comfort, straightforward controls, and the rivaled performance that only FLIR can deliver, the FLIR H-Series Bi-Ocular is a must-have for extended patrols, covert surveillance, critical infrastructure protection, and high-threat security missions.

Unlike traditional night vision, thermal imaging technology detects radiation and temperature differences. That means you can see even in pitch black, as well as through smoke, light fog and foliage. Your FLIR H-Series Bi-Ocular includes:

Quick-Disconnect Modularity: Choose one or all of the following lenses: 35 mm, 65 mm, and 100 mm. Raised rubber sleeves and captive low-profile lens caps protect your lens investment.
Extended Range Options: Standard 320 x 240 with 2x digital e-zoom is powerful enough for you to detect a human about 2 kilometers away. Optional 640 x 480 resolution comes with up to 4x digital e-zoom that is powerful enough to detect a human almost 2.5 kilometers away.
Fast Power & Battery Swap: Latched door offers quick access to batteries. “Snap” FLIR Scout BHS Bi-Ocular onto its quick-release hot shoe to switch instantly to AC power.
Standard Photo & Video Capture: One-touch recording, focus, and zoom is a necessity in the field when your target is on the move.

FLIR Systems also offers grant opportunities for various government agencies, which significantly decrease the cost of purchase. To apply for a grant, click here.

How To Afford New(er) Computer Equipment

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:22:00 +0000

Most departments would like to fill their police cruisers and emergency vehicles with the newest and greatest technology available. However, with how often technology changes and advances, it is nearly impossible to afford the continuous process of upgrading.

We've written several blogs about how to finance your purchases through grants. However, grant money can be difficult to acquire. Grant requests must be adequately written, and moneys received from grants are only allowed to be spent on very specific items. This leaves very little leeway in purchasing if inventory at your vendor changes in the time it takes to get your grant approval and funding.

Another option that tends to be overlooked quite frequently is buy back or trade-in. At Bob Johnson's Computer Stuff we will happily buy back your previously purchased equipment from us when you are ready to upgrade to newer Toughbooks. If you didn't purchase your current computers or mobile data terminals from us, that's fine too...we will happily take them for trade-in value on the purchase of Toughbooks.

Our buy back/trade-in program is only the beginning of the savings when you purchase from us. As a refurbishd Panasonic Toughbook dealer, the units that we sell are generally 50-75% less than the cost of new units. If you are worried about purchasing a "used" Toughbook, you shouldn't. Used Toughbooks are fully refurbished and are often in like-new condition. All refurbished units at Bob Johnson's Computer Stuff come fully equipped with a limited lifetime warranty (something a new Panasonic Toughbook does not).

By combining your trade-in units with the purchase of a refurbished unit, you have the ability to double, triple, or even quadruple the number of units you are able to purchase for the same price!

If you would like more information on our trade-in program or the cost of our refurbished Toughbooks please don't hesitate to contact us. We can be reached phone at 877-202-7788 or email.

Street Survival Seminar

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:11:00 +0000

For thirty years, the Street Survival Seminar has provided hundreds of thousands of police officers with insights and ideas for staying safe on patrol. Held more than three dozen times every year, the Seminar has visited virtually every state in the Union — including Alaska and Hawaii — on at least one occasion. It’s been held in hundreds of cities in America — some locations, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, have become annual events. Other locations — like Cleveland, Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale, Kansas City, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and San Diego — are visited once every two or three years. It is commonplace for officers with the RCMP in Canada to attend seminars in the Northern Tier, and officers from as far away as Vladivostok, Russia have flown to the United States to attend.

If you ask a roomful of cops whether they’ve ever heard of the Street Survival Seminar, you’re likely to have good number of them tell you they’ve attended. Furthermore, they’ll probably tell you sign up for the next time it’s held within a 300-mile radius of your department.

But it wasn’t always this big, this successful, or this well-known. It wasn’t always videos and PowerPoint slides. The Seminar, like so many things in law enforcement, has evolved over time. But the mission — which is at once simple and complex — has remained the same: “Provide the most dynamic, intense, innovative, and motivational training experience available to the law enforcement community.”

Here, we take a brief look back at this thing that’s become an institution for officer safety, but this article is far from complete without your own stories, memories, and thoughts.

Humble Beginnings
The Street Survival Seminar is the brainchild of Chuck Remsberg, a freelance writer with a master’s degree in journalism, and Denny Anderson, a Minnesota native who produced law enforcement training films for Motorola Teleprograms. Together, Anderson and Remsberg created training films, and although neither man knew much about book publishing, in early 1980 they released “Street Survival” under the publishing name of Calibre Press, a small company based in Chuck’s Northbrook (Ill.) basement.

Remsberg tells PoliceOne, “Sometime that summer, a reserve officer from Lansing, Ill. — a Chicago suburb — tracked me down by phone at a party one night. He had just read the book, was very excited about it, and asked if Denny and I would meet with officers of his acquaintance and talk about the book and its lessons on officer survival.”

Remsberg says that he and Anderson agreed, and met one evening with perhaps a dozen officers. They talked about the book and showed a film called Survival Shooting Techniques, an earlier Rembsberg/Anderson collaboration from which parts of the Street Survival book had emerged.
“This meeting was held at an elementary school,” Remsberg recalls, “and the cops, most of them in full uniform with duty gear hanging off their belts, were shoehorned into grade school desk-chairs to listen. It was a pretty humble event. Denny forgot to bring some slides that accompanied the film, so we drew various tactical moves on a chalk board. We drove the long distance back to our homes pretty discouraged at what we considered a failed performance.”

Despite the presenters’ own feelings about the evening, the cops in attendance appreciated what they’d seen, and began to do what cops do — talk amongst themselves. It wasn’t long before a training officer from the Richton Park Police Department, a neighboring suburban department, asked Denny and Chuck to present a day-long program to about 100 officers. It was so popular that second presentation was added for the Autumn.

“During the winter, we received a desperate call from a campus cop at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He had booked a two-day training program for his area but the would-be presenters had cancelled out on him, leaving him holding the bag. Based on the book’s growing reputation and popularity, he wondered if we could put together an officer survival program to fill in. We agreed upon a presentation in February 1981, I believe.”

About 350 officers from eight states showed up for that training and were wildly enthusiastic about it. As a result, the team got invitations from multiple departments to repeat the program.
“From then on,” Rembsberg says, “we were in the seminar business on an ongoing basis.”

Sustainable Growth
Even in the early years, it soon became clear that the Seminar was simply too big for just too men — at one Las Vegas presentation, more than 900 officers from some 30 states and Canada were present. Although Remsberg and Anderson were initially the sole instructors, as the seminar grew in popularity, and to enable its founders time for their other professional pursuits, new instructors were added.

“After a year or two we hired Dave Tracy, a trainer and SWAT officer from Maryland, as an instructor to replace me so I could work on the Tactical Edge. About a year after that, we hired Dave Smith to replace Denny so he could work on Surviving Edged Weapons, our first video production. Denny and I appeared as instructors periodically after that, but for the most part we relied on professional cops to conduct the program.”

Dave Smith says, “In 1983, Denny and Chuck contacted me about the Buck Savage training videos I had done and the next thing I knew I was standing on a stage in San Diego doing a Street Survival Seminar. I did the seminars from August ‘83 through the end of ‘85 when my department commitments became too great to continue doing the seminars. I can’t express how proud I was to become involved again in 1999 and continue to be part of it to today. I always leave a seminar feeling so proud of the men and women of law enforcement and thinking of the things I have learned from those who attended. It has been an education so vast and intense — I couldn’t have gotten any better laboratory in the world than the Street Survival Seminar. I will always be grateful to Denny and Chuck for the opportunity that changed my life.”

Dave Grossi, who taught the seminars for a dozen years, recalls, “My first contact with the Street Survival Seminar was in 1987. Chuck and Denny contacted me and asked if I would fly to Cleveland, view the three-day seminar, and evaluate the program. I did, and shortly thereafter they asked me to join the staff. I began instructing part-time in January 1988, until I joined the staff as a full time instructor after my retirement from active police duty in 1990. Back then, we traveled with twelve large media cases which contained four slide/film projectors, over a dozen reels of film, and more than two thousand slides.”

Smiths’ and Grossi’s stories are not uncommon. It’s interesting to note that Calibre Press has never hired an instructor or presenter for the Street Survival Seminar who “applied” for the job. They “recruit” their cadre of instructors from police training experts based on their specific qualifications and credentials.

At the end of 2002, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith was on the marketing team for Calibre Press and had her own show on LETN, the organization that owned Calibre at the time. Brantner Smith saw Lt. Jim Glennon teaching at a Northwestern Staff and Command Course and approached him. Glennon later met with Dave Smith, and was invited to attend the seminar a couple of times. Soon thereafter, Glennon’s recruitment was complete.

“The Street Survival Seminar made me delve into the reality of violence against police officers and made me study pre-attack indicators and body language more,” Glennon says. “Getting the chance to teach this has been an unbelievable opportunity and I’m thankful that I can interact with cops all over the country, hear their stories, listen to their victories, mistakes, losses, and bond with them in a profession that I love.”
In 2003, Calibre recruited from within — making Sgt. Brantner Smith an instructor after she developed the Street Survival for Women seminar, which was the first and remains only of its kind to this day.

Brantner Smith recalls, “As a young cop in the Chicago suburbs in the 1980's, ‘Street Survival’ was new on the scene but already legendary in its impact on my chosen profession. I read the book and then looked into the seminar. My department wouldn't pay for me to attend so I did what so many of our students do — I paid for it myself and used vacation days to attend. As I watched Dave Smith and Dave Tracy on stage, I was completely blown away! There was so much I didn't know, so much I needed to learn, to improve upon. And when I left I wanted to share it all with my fellow cops! I left my first seminar a totally different person and a completely different cop, and I truly believe that what I learned from Calibre Press in the early days of my career truly saved my life on more than one occasion in my 29 years as a cop. To stand before my peers now and deliver those same lessons is a privilege beyond words.”

Remsberg, Anderson, and the seminar instructors continued to research and craft content so the material remained fresh and up-to-date. Remsberg credits Scott Buhrmaster, who signed on with Calibre Press in June of 1989, as playing a key role in that effort, “with his excellent research skills.”

Speaking of founders Remsberg and Anderson, Buhrmaster recalls: “What struck me most was their tireless and unwavering dedication to getting the best officer survival information from the best sources and refining it and disseminating it to a degree never before seen in law enforcement. These two individuals taught me the value of going the extra mile, regardless of the sometimes extraordinary effort it took, to get the kind of detailed information officers truly needed to stay safe. We had the honor of interviewing thousands of officers and trainers, who selflessly shared their knowledge — and even details of their own tactical mistakes that in many instances cost them dearly — in the interest of making sure other officers could benefit from what they knew and had learned. I can think of no other professional position in which you have the profound opportunity to speak to an officer who, often through tears, tells you that he’s alive today because of the work you and your organization have done. That’s a truly life-changing experience.”

Today, the Street Survival Seminar Instructor Cadre consists of:

• Sgt. Raimondo “Ray” DeCunto, a law enforcement officer since 1981, retired from the Narcotics Division of the Pinellas Country Sheriff's Office in 2009
• Lt. Jim Glennon, who recently retired from the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department after serving that community since 1980
• Timothy M. Goergen, Chief of Police for the Village of Bloomingdale and a police officer since 1980
• Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, who recently retired from the Naperville (Ill.) Police Department after 29 years of service
• Dave “Buck Savage” Smith, an internationally-known speaker, trainer, and writer who has been an integral part of Calibre Press for more than 20 years

In addition to the “faces” of the seminar seen on stage across the country, the team also includes nearly a dozen planning and logistics people, sales and marketing staff, and other individuals essential to each seminar’s success.

But without question, the people without whom any of it would be possible are the police officers (and their spouses) who attend. Jim Glennon puts it this way: “Dave Smith once told me that cops at the seminars open up to the instructors about some very intense and intimate issues. Marriage, shootings, near death experiences, supervisors, loss of friends, you name it. And that’s true, they trust us after just few hours together and tell us things they have never shared with others and after we all go back home, we keep in touch through emails. Pretty cool.”

Article by Doug Wyllie of Police One

Importance of In-Vehicle Cameras

noreply@blogger.com (J.L.Quick) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:20:00 +0000

As a dealer of refurbished Panasonic Toughbooks utilized primarily in police cruisers, we are questioned quite often about vehicle cameras. Do we sell them? No, we do not, but the models of Toughbooks that we sell (such as the CF-29 and the CF-30) will easily support the software and hardware required for a camera. And secondly, are they worth the money? Absolutely!

Having a vehicle-mounted camera serves a great deal of functions. The primary benefits of the vehicle mounted cameras are officer safety, increased professionalism, training, and homeland security. We'll touch briefly on all of these topics...

Homeland Security

Although it is not generally viewed as an vehicle-camera, there are automated license plate readers. These assist with the location of vehicles, as they are significantly more effective at monitoring license plates related to wants and warrants than an officer alone.

Increased Professionalism

Knowing that their actions can easily be reviewed because they were recorded, officers tend to be more likely to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by their department. No one wants to be the spoof video of what not to do used in training classes.

Training

As just mentioned, those videos of what to do and what no to do come from somewhere. And there is no better way to teach new officers how to appropriately approach and interact with a subject than actual footage that shows what can happen in the field.

Officer Safety

Officer safety is two-fold. By recording incidents as they occur, officers are protected against false claims of overly-assertive force or even abuse. The cameras also record assaults taken against police officers. Recently, an in-vehicle camera recorded the shooting of a Yolo County (CA) deputy, who regrettably did not survive. Because of the recording, officers were able to apprehend the shooter, eliminating a cop-killer from the streets.