Tactical — Not A Dirty Word
The word "tactical" has been co-opted by the sales industry and has largely lost its meaning. Tactical is not just a word you attach to something to sell; its meaning has driven success for as long as humans have been around. It has nothing to do with your clothes or gear. Tactics, as defined by Webster, encompasses several things, the most important to me being "adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose." This [...]
CARS AND CRASHES | In ‘N Out
I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of cops dying. I hate seeing updates via ODMP.com (Officer Down Memorial Page) every time a cop is killed. In the last decade, I’ve been to 22 funerals. The lion’s share of these has been in the last 7 years, [...]
Principles of Protection
Why reinvent the wheel when formal training in elite protective services began even before the introduction of the praetorian guard into the Roman Empire? The principles of protection are the same today as during the 2nd century, to prevent your protectee from harm by way of injury or death and [...]
STREET LEVEL | Looking Versus Seeing: The Art Of Perception
You’d never tag Amy Herman as a law enforcement trainer. Tall, chic and sophisticated, you might guess she’s an expert on fi ne art, working for a major gallery or perhaps a Manhattan corporate attorney. Actually, she’s all three. Ms. Herman has a master’s in art history and a law [...]
Hands On!
The consummate professional does everything possible to avoid a violent physical altercation. Adopting an appropriate mindset and applying good situational awareness are integral aspects of being prepared. However, applying even the most diligent of proactive measures does not guarantee that you will prevent or avoid an undesired event. Failing an [...]
Predictable Patterns
Kidnapping is big business overseas, both inside and outside the continental United States. As a result, predictability is one of the most dangerous behavior characteristics you can exhibit, especially abroad. Customarily, beginning their attack at the airport, dedicated kidnappers will run surveillance outside your hotel, motel, or homestay and along [...]
STREET LEVEL | Straight Talk On Supervision & Leadership
Recap. “Punishment” is only one of several aspects of discipline — frequently and wrongfully employed. “Context” is important. A violation, appearing clear-cut, may deserve mitigation, exoneration or even commendation. “Ink” should never dictate the level of discipline imposed. “Bad press” or departmental embarrassment decides far too many disciplinary actions. The [...]
Grey Looks Great on You
So, what’s with this ‘greyman’ concept? Well, on the surface, it sounds pretty simple – just blend in. When you look deeper and get more into the details, it gets interesting. Subscribing to the grey man/grey woman idea means a lot of different things, so let’s narrow it down [...]
ORGANIZATIONAL TERRORISTS | Is This A Life Worth Living?
I’m pretty sure every organization has them. They may be called countless different things depending on where you work, but I refer to them as “Organizational Terrorists.” No matter what the name, we all know them. They’re the ones sucking on the Big Gulp-sized container of Haterade — whining, sniveling [...]
Home Defense
Given current and emerging threats such as the open U.S. Southern border and crime surges throughout the major cities, law-abiding citizens have a commensurate and justified concern about rising home invasions. What are some recommended proactive measures to protect your home and family from such an undesired incident? Red cell, [...]
“HOW’S THAT AGAIN?” | A Failure To Communicate
I’m a seasoned, okay, salty 26-year veteran of two major California law enforcement agencies. I’ve worked many aspects of the job — corrections, K-9, narcotics, traffic, auto theft, community policing — the list goes on. But, I still work patrol and get enormous satisfaction out of that drive to jail. [...]