Episode 19- Red Flag Gun Laws: A Legal Way To Violate People's Rights

Episode 20- National Police Week

Texas celebrates the legacy of our fallen Peace Officers. Officers from many jurisdictions, as well as, federal agencies attended the candlelight vigil at the Texas Peace Officer Memorial Monument in Austin, Texas.    The memorial monument is located in the premises of the Texas State Capitol Building. The names of all the fallen Texas peace officers are engraved on granite obelisk on a base with a Texas Lone Star.    The names of the fallen dates back to 1823, when our founder, Stephen F. Austin, commission what is now known as the "Texas Rangers."    The memorial was erected in 1999 with contributions by the Texas Commission On Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and the Texas State Preservation Board.    The memorial is not only remembering the fallen officers. The monument also reflects the strength and honor of the families of the fallen officers.   Unfortunately, more names are added each year to the walls. We all hope the deaths of law enforcement falls to zero. However, for now, we are going to keep adding those names to the walls. The names help us remember how life could be short and to embrace and defend it every single second.   "Rest In Peace Brothers; We Got It From Here"

Episode 19- Red Flag Gun Laws: A Legal Way To Violate People's Rights

You heard many headlines, mass shootings happening across our nation. More people want to prevent these atrocities, law enforcement does too. However, this issue can create problems because some of those mass shootings aren't carried away by ideological or fanatics of some sort. Investigations have concluded people with extreme mental illnesses have committed these crimes. In some cases, family members of those responsible failed to see the signs of an imminent attack. Those with mental illnesses didn't wake up one day and said, "Hey, I'm mentally ill, let's go and hurt people." In fact, many people with mental illnesses will never hurt another human being. In his book, author Gavin de Becker, "The Gift of Fear," explains humans have developed a tremendous tool which can guarantee their survival. Some of us, police officers, call FEAR a "gut-feeling" or instinct. Gut-feelings is a predecessor of reasonable suspicion. You know something is wrong, but you don't exactly what's going on. What do you do? You ask more questions, dig deeper, and find what were you looking for. The same is for our court system, lawmakers believe if you just feel someone is a threat, then we must take their guns away. These lawmakers started new laws, known as Red Flag Gun Laws. What Are Red Flag Gun Laws? "Extreme Risk Protection Order" (ERPO), also known as Red Flag Gun Laws, is a legislative statute. Red Flag Gun Laws allow law enforcement to strip anyone with mental illnesses from possessing firearms while undergoing evaluation. Police officers will have submit an application for a warrant with a judge. After the judge finds credible and substantial facts, any person is a danger to themselves and others, officers might seize firearms for an unknown time frame. Is this really a violation of their due process rights? Well, the idea is complicated. In some states, ERPOs can only be filed by police, while in other states like California or Maryland, spouses, roommates and close relatives can ask courts to remove firearms out of safety concerns. While removing firearms can be seen as a violation of our second amendment right, many law enforcement officers expressed their desire for a fair due process and using "the totality of the circumstances" before taking firearms away according to "Policing Matters" podcast. While reading some comments, many highlighted, for example, some officers weren't satisfied with states who lack mental health resources. As police officers, we encounter mentally ill people who are in distress or seeking help. Nevertheless, depending on where you patrol, some of those resources aren't there. Which leaves those sick people finding relief by using legal and illegal controlled substances. Even the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) could be detrimental preventing crimes. Physicians or mental health professionals may inform law enforcement when they believe a person might be a risk for violence. If one of those professionals knew a person might be planning an attack, police could investigate. In a brochure published by the American Hospital Association, they specify hospitals don't have to share information if they don't feel is necessary. "A hospital may not disclose patient information to avert a serious threat to health or safety if the information was obtained in the course of treatment to affect the propensity to commit criminal conduct; counseling or therapy; or through the individual's request for such treatment, counseling, or therapy." Another officer expressed concerns about taking property from mentally ill people. This officer stated it was better evaluate the ill person at a mental facility than just taking weapons away. This officer made a good point, mentally ill people who have clearly shown violent tendencies will find a way to harm others. Other weapons could be vehicles, knives, improvised explosive devices, etc. Again, we're going back, a reform is needed for our current mental health laws and accommodations for mentally ill people. Many states already had provisions in their laws which helped law enforcement officers seize firearms. My home state of Texas, in clearly specifies in the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 573, guidelines for officers for firearms confiscations from mentally ill people. When there is a substantial risk of serious harm to the person or to others unless the person is immediately restrained and believes that there is not sufficient time to obtain a warrant before taking the person into custody. The officer can take the distressed person into custody for evaluation. Substantial risk is justified by current behavior or evidence of severe emotional distress and deterioration in mental condition to the extent that the person cannot remain at liberty. These facts can be obtained from a credible person or officer's observations. The officer shall immediately transport the person to a hospital, mental health facility, or jail where mental health professional must evaluate the person who was detained. The statue then expands to the seizing of the firearms by saying: A peace officer may immediately seize any firearm found in possession of the person. After seizing a firearm under this subsection, the peace officer shall comply with the requirements of Article 18.191, Code of Criminal Procedure. Then officers shall issue a receipt to the detained person stating which weapons were taken accompanied by a written notice of the procedure for the return of firearms. The agency then needs to notify via mail, no later than the 15th day, to the closest relative how this person can retrieve the guns being held by the law enforcement agency. As you see, in Texas, officers will seize firearms but will attempt to return those guns for safekeeping. This statue emphasizes due process as well as our right to bear arms. People are medically treated, but property won't be kept by government officials. Texas goes even further by protecting people's rights. If patients couldn't get anyone to take his/her guns for safekeeping. The agency must sell any weapons through an authorized gun dealer, and all proceeds of any sale must go into the rightful owner's account! Let me walk you through an example, let's say you just went through a traumatic event like a burglary or an extreme domestic violence case. Based on Texas law, if you suffer an emotional disturbance, like PTSD, where your family or law enforcement believe your best course of action is a mental health facility. Law Enforcement officers will seize any guns at home, but immediately transfer them to any person you designate. If you are evaluated and medical professionals believe this was an isolated incident, all weapons can lawfully be returned back. Though, in those states with Red Flag Gun Laws, this process could take longer, placing you at risk. Think about this, if you just went over any of those scenarios and you feel you ex might come over and attack you at night. Would be safer for you to defend herself, and not cookie-cut specific circumstance as with Red Flag Gun Laws indicate? Every situation is different, and each jurisdiction should have the freedom to analyze, investigate, and conclude our best action for each person who is suffering mental distress episodes for the safety of the community. Although, research in Connecticut shown Red Flag Gun Laws had reduced suicides since 1999 when this law was enacted. Taking this information into consideration, Red Flag Gun Laws should also consider our rights of into account not only numbers. Many people believe if they seek help for their depression and possible suicide thoughts, their second amendment will be dismissed and their weapons will be confiscated. Currently, Title 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(4) stated a person who is committed to a mental institution voluntarily won't find themselves disqualified for the ownership of firearms. Consequences of Red Flag Gun Laws Back in 2018, Maryland law enforcement officers attempted an execution of a seizure warrant on a man with mental health problems. While speaking with the subject, one officer began executing the order. This conversation prompted a confrontation which ended his life. One officer shot the homeowner because he didn't want to let go of his gun. Many people just miss their court date after being legally declared in good mental condition, and they can obtain their guns back. Legal fees lost work dates, or life changes can be a complication for these people. Going through our court system isn't free! My opinion More information plus acknowledgment from our public officials is needed to help people with permanent or temporary mental illnesses. As police officers, we can't take people's rights away, neither should government nor state's legislature should do it without due process. Police officers are placed at risk when these laws are enacted because we will be executing those legal documents. More states should base their Red Flag Gun Laws like Texas Legislature has done. Here in Texas, we believe in the protection of the public. Also, we believe in the protection of each individual's rights. Gun laws are a complicated issue: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Resources: 1. de Becker, Gavin. The Gift of Fear. Narrated by: Thomas Stechschulte. Audible, 2017. Audiobook. 2. Should police be allowed to seize guns from the mentally ill? [Audio blog interview]. (2019, March 22). Retrieved March 24, 2019, from http://bit.ly/2Cwx2BN [http://bit.ly/2Cwx2BN] Show: "Policing Matter" 3. RECEIPT AND NOTICE OF RIGHTS FOR SEIZED FIREARMS Incident#. http://www.houstoncit.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Receipt-and-Notice-of-Rights-final-draft-3in-1.pdf [http://www.houstoncit.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Receipt-and-Notice-of-Rights-final-draft-3in-1.pdf] 4. Texas Law for Court Ordered Drug Rehab and Involuntary …. https://careplanpro.com/texas-law/ [https://careplanpro.com/texas-law/] 5. https://www.texastribune.org/2018/06/18/texas-gun-red-flag-laws-santa-fe-greg-abbott/ [https://www.texastribune.org/2018/06/18/texas-gun-red-flag-laws-santa-fe-greg-abbott/] 6. https://www.atf.gov/file/58791/download [https://www.atf.gov/file/58791/download] 7. https://gunresponsibility.org/solution/erpo/ [https://gunresponsibility.org/solution/erpo/] 8. https://www.ammoland.com/2018/12/anti-gun-bills-to-be-introduced-in-texas/#axzz5j6iKiSBK [https://www.ammoland.com/2018/12/anti-gun-bills-to-be-introduced-in-texas/#axzz5j6iKiSBK] 9. https://www.ammoland.com/2019/01/texas-already-has-extreme-risk-protection-order-laws/#axzz5j6iKiSBK [https://www.ammoland.com/2019/01/texas-already-has-extreme-risk-protection-order-laws/#axzz5j6iKiSBK] 10. https://www.denverpost.com/2019/02/25/gun-laws-red-flag-colorado/ [https://www.denverpost.com/2019/02/25/gun-laws-red-flag-colorado/] 11. https://www.aha.org/system/files/2018-03/guidelinesreleasinginfo.pdf [https://www.aha.org/system/files/2018-03/guidelinesreleasinginfo.pdf]

Episode 17- Tactical Duty Belt Setup

Duty belts are as old as policing. From the beginning, para-military uniform adaptations of duty belts included police officers. Police belts symbolize the disciplined body of the justice system. When policing started, officers were part of the night watch. Officers carried tools like lanterns and sometimes a stick for self-defense. Eventually, law enforcement belts became a symbol or a brand. Officer's dress code included a trench coat plus a Sam Browne belt. Belts consisted of a leather piece, brass buckle, and another leather strip which connected front to back passing through the officer's chest and right shoulder. When I see photographs of police officers who used this setup, I can imagine myself being one of them. These officers carried a nightstick, flashlight, and revolver. Over time, law enforcement evolved, and more tools were added. All these new tools or toys, as some of us see them, started adding weight which translated in back, hips, and knee injuries. However, there are new options to consider when setting up your belt to avoid or prevent injury. Here are some critical factors. 1) Duty belt's material: Majority of duty belts are either made out of durable nylon or leather. Nylon is lighter and flexible; however, some departments discourage nylon because it doesn't look "professional" since this material could rub off over time with daily use. Leather belts can look professional. Police departments like the way manufacturers can make it look glossy or basket weave. However, leather can add weight to the already heavy-duty equipment. 2) Manufacturer: Price is a significant factor, primarily if your department doesn't provide a uniform allowance or pay for all of the uniforms. I suggest you do your research and go with quality manufacturers. Don't forget to read the reviews, not just reviews like t "It looks good," but more about how it feels after the usage for a while. I use Bianchi Duty Belts, and so far the belt is lighter than my old leather one. Remember, security officers also use some of the duty belts, and they don't carry as much equipment as we do. 3) Comfort and Size: Your waistline will determine the size as well as your level of comfort, and the number of pouches and holsters you attach to your belt. Remember, you might want to buy a bigger size. You might gain a little weight, but if you are like me, I wear many layers during the winter, and I have to open loosen up it up a bit. Let's take a look the way I set up my duty belt. Your setup depends on the number of tools you carry, personal preference, and policies by your department. One thing is sure if you are a rookie, you'll change the setup for the first two years because you'll learn what works and doesn't work for you. (Starting Counterclockwise from belt buckle) Taser Tasers are useful for many reasons, some to stop subjects who aren't complying to commands, other times to make the taser spark showing you aren't playing games. I placed my taser next to the belt buckle because I'll reach to use it with my dominant right hand. My academy taught me always place the taser on the opposite side or away from your firearm because, in a high-stress scenario, you could grab your gun instead of your taser to stop someone while resisting, a true story this happened before: https://link.tacticalbluetv.com/shot-with-taser [https://link.tacticalbluetv.com/shot-with-taser]. If I'm that close to a subject, I'm not reaching for a taser to make someone comply, hands-on baby! Magazine Holster My magazine holster is unique, well, not really, but I like it. I have a double handgun plus AR15 magazine holster. The reason I chose this setup is the location where I work. My backup is 10–15 minutes away. I like the idea of having another AR15 magazine just in case I have a defective magazine in the AR15 already, or I experience a double feed which prompts me to do a rapid clearing drill and reload. I never hear anyone ever said, "I brought too many rounds to this gunfight!" Flashlight Holster I carry many flashlights, in the vehicle, in my go pack and on me. This particular flashlight is what I call my "Vehicle Search" flashlight. I can place it in tight places when I'm looking for contraband, e.i AC vents. Always use your non-dominant hand to handle your flashlight or any tool which isn't essential for fighting. Like my old academy, sergeant used to say "Nothing In Your Gun Hand." PR24/Flashlight Loop Next, I have this velcro loop for my PR24. If you never used a PR24, you are missing a cool and useful tool for crowd control. Make sure you take the necessary training before using one. It's useful, but deadly if you strike one of the red zones. By the way, it's hard to find one in the market. It took me a while before I got ahold one. This loop is multi-function because I also use it for my long Streamlight flashlight. Radio Pouch The radio goes in my non-dominant hand. All my fellow officers at the police department use different setups for their radios. Some use the radio clip which it's attached to the radio's battery. Others have metal clips or "Porta" clips. I use a swivel pouch which is easy for me to use. If I have to take the radio off my duty belt, I turn the pouch upside down and pull up, easy. Tourniquet Holster If you don't use a tourniquet on your duty belt, you are automatically failing in this job! Tourniquets could save your life or your fellow officer's life in a life-threatening situation. If you are shot, after stopping the threat, the first thing you need to do is to stop the bleeding. Having the tourniquet easily accessible can be the difference between bleeding to death or winning the fight! If possible also carry an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) close by as well. Glove Pouch My glove pouch is directly behind my spine. The reason for this methodology is to avoid spine injuries if I fall backward. Never place anything which could compress the spine discs if you fall, such as handcuffs or other hard tools. The injury isn't worth it. Place something soft or nothing at all. If you have a small waistline and you need space, consider adding a double magazine pouch to save space. OC Spray I carry my OC spray in a pouch directly behind my baton. The reason is that I prefer to use my dominant hand to withdraw the bottle. I'm not sure if this is the best place for it, but I'm more concerned with the other tools mentioned above. Baton To use my baton, I'll withdraw it from the holster. Using my dominant hand with an upper and downward motion extending the baton. Firearm My Glock 22 holster is near my hipbone. I place it about 1 inch in front of the hip bone. This way, it's comfortable for me while sitting in the patrol car, but also it doesn't interfere with the seat belt if I ever have to do a rapid retrieve while sitting. Double Handcuff Pouch Police Academies don't emphasize the importance of proper handcuff placement. Usually, police officers place their handcuffs in the back of the duty belt. However, think about it; if you are going to handcuff someone and your non-dominant hand is holding the suspect's hands, what's the other hand doing? Moving back to open the pouch and retrieve the handcuffs. If you notice before, your torso automatically leans forward. The movement places you in an odd disadvantaged position. If your handcuffs are in the front, the whole time you'll maintain the upper hand. You won't have unusual movements. You'll reach the pouch, open it, and handcuff. If you practice enough, it can be a fast and smooth movement. If you decide to use this setup or another, the important thing is to practice, practice, practice. You should be able to grab any of your tools in the daytime or dark. Muscle memory plays a big part in the officer's safety. Remember, my goal is that you go home safe to your family. "Don't Be An ASS, Be An ASSet!" https://youtu.be/i157jKuTWTE

Episode 16- Omega Holsters Tactical Review

Police officer's duty belts are diversified, heavy, full of surprises for the bad guys. We carry all kinds of tools which help us in our jobs while keeping us safe. Duty belts add significant weight which can cause health problems, including lower back pain and knee injuries. Photo by Jordan [https://unsplash.com/@suspected?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral] on Unsplash [https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral] Recently officers have been looking for alternatives to reduce the weight they carry. Some have chosen to move part of their gear to their vest or load-bearing vests. However, the price of these vests can go from $150 up to $1500, depending on the model, brand, and specific features. Other officers opted to change their duty belts. I changed mine from leather to nylon. The reduction of weight wasn't significant, but it helped my back for sure. Another alternative is to change the holsters we carry our tools. More officers are using Kydex as an alternative to leather or nylon. I'm sure you've heard about Kydex before, but if you haven't, here is some information. In Wikipedia, Kydex is an acrylic-polyvinyl chloride composite which it's used for aircraft bulkheads, firearm holsters, sheaths, and knives. Kydex is really strong and highly moldable. If you Google "Kydex," you'll find hundreds of videos, blogs and other materials for this particular material. Many people love to make all kinds of things out of Kydex, and some are impressive. For police officers, the use of Kydex holsters is an excellent addition to the duty belt. A well built Kydex holster can be durable, reliable, and lightweight. I started researching Kydex, and I found two ways to obtain Kydex holsters. One, I could learn how to make my holsters. I would have to buy the materials and tools. Also, the learning curve and research I would have to do. Second, I could find a company out there which already had Kydex holsters for sale. I started researching for companies, and I finally found a suggestion in a Law Enforcement Group which I'm a member. Many of the members suggested Omega Holsters [http://www.omegaholster.com]. I looked into it and found out this company is based in Texas and run by a law enforcement officer. I thought this was great since I like to support other officers. The first thing I asked the owner was for a handgun/AR-15 magazine holster combo. I was looking to add an AR-15 magazine to my belt since I work in a remote area (THE MORE ROUNDS, THE BETTER!). The owner immediately contacted me and sent me a link to a product he already produces. I was like, SOLD! Omega Holsters Products I purchased the magazine combo, flashlight, OC Spray & Tourniquet holster with my order. The magazine combo and Tourniquet are attached to my belt with a Blade-Tech Tek-Lok. It's easy to use, pull the lever down, and push the two ends of the locking mechanism. The clip can be adjusted to fit different belt thicknesses. For the OC Spray and flashlight holster, I ordered the malice clip which slides through either end of your duty belt to the desired position for comfort and tactical position Omega Holsters was a great purchase, and I'm happy I chose it. Here some of the Pros and Cons of the products I purchased. Pros: Lightweight Handgun/AR-15 Magazine combo Durable Cons: Since you're carrying more rounds with the magazine combo, whichever side you carry it, you'll have extra weight, and the weight will ride the holster down. OC Spray holster will tear down the can's label Whichever Kydex product you chose, remember to go with a business who knows what law enforcement needs. Remember, some little aspects as retention, durability, and others are essential in law enforcement.  As I mentioned above, many Kydex makers vary from amateur to full-size businesses, but each focuses on different products and aspects of each product. I went with Omega Holsters since the maker is a police officer and knows what's essential for us. Side note: If you purchase from this business, read the instructions, or you'll end up doing a big "oops" as I did here [https://youtu.be/wjOixJsgeH4]. DISCLAIMER: I wasn't paid to promote Omega Holsters. I believe these products are made with quality materials and at a reasonable price. The value of the product exceeds my expectations.  https://youtu.be/wjOixJsgeH4

Episode 15- New 2019 Chevy Tahoe Police Package

My police department just purchased two brand new 2019 Chevy Tahoe with the Police Package. All the new features, the performance, and add-ons make this SUV a great purchase! Many police departments are debating whether they should purchase this big vehicle. However, the most important thing to consider is the customization and space this SUV offers for the patrol officer. I can carry so much equipment with this vehicle. I even have some space to spare compared to my old SUV, 2009 Chevy Tahoe. I'll show you all the features from bumper to bumper including the after-market equipment which was added for better user experience. Let's begin. Oh, if you find this podcast interesting, don't forget to subscribe and share it. https://youtu.be/wzdV_TGmrrU