Welcome to Spring—even if it doesn’t feel like it wherever you are in the country. We’re two months from school being out, summer being in full swing and community pools being crowded. Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find an article about electric bicycles for patrol use and now is the time to plan how best to use such a program. They can be a huge strength in some parts of your community or for patrol in targeted areas that would benefit from the mobility.
You’ll also find an OFFICER Labs review, reporting on our test and evaluation of the SIRAS drone from Teledyne FLIR. Does your agency have a drone program? If so, are your drone pilots properly licensed? Drones can be a force multiplier for agencies, but they have to be put into effect properly. The characteristics of the drone can have a serious impact on how much you can use the drone and for what purposes. Drones can be used for aerial searches with few restrictions outside of weather. Yes, there are legal restrictions, most specifically the Fourth Amendment, but for recon work, search and rescue work, community relations and more, drones can be a huge strength. Know your agency's needs and requirements and purchase accordingly.
There also is an OFFICER Labs report on a ballistic shield from BlueRidge Armor. Our editorial staff gets quite a bit of satisfaction from field-testing the various products we get tasked with putting through the paces. If we get a product that doesn’t perform as advertised, we send a detailed report back to the manufacturer. If the products pass all testing—often beyond the capabilities or limitations claimed by the manufacturer—then we write up the review for publication. If you have any questions about the OFFICER Labs program, feel free to email me and I’ll get you the answers.
April often means spring break for a lot of schools and an influx of tourists for some parts of our country. It also often means an increase in drunken stupidity, matched by calls for service. As you or your officers respond to these calls, remember two things: 1) There is no such thing as “routine,” and 2) Anytime drunk people are involved, you can’t assume common sense. Drunk people tend to make bad decisions and act impulsively. That can be dangerous and create a higher risk for the officers responding. Stay on your game.
So… again, welcome to Spring. Enjoy the weather, but watch your six.
