Review – Beyond The Muzzle
I’m part of a team that teaches instructor-level classes to law enforcement officers in California. Depending on the subject, these courses range from two to four days in length. While we keep the students very busy and create numerous opportunities for them to develop and practice their skills as instructors, there is never enough time to teach them everything we’d like to know about being a good instructor. Beyond the Muzzle is primarily aimed [...]
Do More With Less
By John Thomas Grohn It’s a sad state of affairs. There’s no money for training unless you’re a super secret squirrel uber-detective/deep cover domestic operative with the standard issue scowl, facial hair, greasy mane, mechanic work shirt with the name Bob sewn on the front, and nifty little ball cap [...]
Dapper Dan… Or Stumbling Stan?
When I go to court, I nearly always show up in full uniform. However, sometimes the situation dictates I get all gussied up in my finest suit and most constricting tie, to do battle in the courtroom. Once, at the conclusion of my testimony, a family member of the defendant [...]
What Do I Need Today?
What's My Mission? Picture the scene. It’s a Sunday afternoon in a crowded local arcade/eating establishment, which caters to young children and their families. You’d think it would be a safe place for divorced parents to make the court-ordered exchange of kids, right? So, could anyone have predicted a father [...]
What If Grasshoppers Had Machine Guns?
I often flashback to certain past events in my life, like Marine Corps School of Infantry (SOI), circa 1989. Has it really been that long? I was an 18-year-old Private sitting with the others in my platoon, paying close attention to a crusty old Gunny who was going over the [...]
No Excuse!
I recently heard an officer’s rather liberal girlfriend questioning him about why he always has to carry a gun with him everywhere they go. She believed if they were assaulted and a bad guy saw her boyfriend had a gun, they’d be hurt worse. Wait, it gets better. If her [...]
MiDBaR: Minimum Daily Backup Requirements
The importance of carrying a backup and off-duty gun can’t be stressed enough. I’m a firm believer in the adage, “bring enough gun”; and even stronger in, “one in none, two is one.” Many of you subscribe to this philosophy when on-duty, carrying a backup gun in your pocket, vest [...]
The Value Of The FTO
Make 'Em Or Break 'Em Training is the foundation of any police officer, which is why the Field Training Officer’s role is so vital. Regardless of the recruit’s age or background, they’re at an impressionable point in their lives and careers. They’re eager to learn and be successful, so chances [...]
Upper Crust Or Just Crusty?
Detectives are supposed to be the cream of the crop, the senior officers who’ve mastered all facets of patrol and moved on to the world of investigations. Society is so enthralled with it, that at any given time there are literally dozens of movies and TV shows out.based on what [...]
Breaching For Patrol
Not Just For SWAT Guys Some cops equate breaching with a SWAT entry; one definition of “breach” is: to make a hole or opening in (something), which pretty much sums up SWAT. Truth is, patrol officers probably breach more doors on a daily basis than anyone. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until [...]
On Cheeks And Butt (Stocks)
Make Your Shotgun Work For You Recoil In Horror Shotguns are built to fit the average shooter, so smaller stature people will not always find shooting one a pleasant experience. Women especially have trouble finding a happy medium between properly shouldering the buttstock and keeping their cheek where it needs [...]