Less-lethal tools with Kevin Sailor
A less-lethal specialist out of Colorado, Sergeant Kevin Sailor discusses less-lethal tool use in today’s police force, and offers his opinion on whether conductive energy devices are too simple a solution for compliance.
He offers what his 28-year experience at the Westminster Police Department has provided; adds his expertise on Taser use; and his thoughts on the American Civil Liberty Union and Amnesty International CED disapproval. Sailor also references Pete Davies’ book on the news media bias (Taser: Why the Media Hates & Fears It, Adna Press, 2005); and details a dramatic incident involving a suicidal 13-year-old girl and the result of less-lethal tool intervention.
In addition to Sailor’s 28 years on the Westminster force, he was a law enforcement specialist in the U.S. Air Force for four years; is a senior master instructor for Taser International; and operates a consulting business as an expert witness on Tasers.
CSI Effect interview with Carol Henderson
Florida-based professor of law and attorney Carol Henderson shares her expertise on the law and forensics in a conversation with Law Enforcement Technology about the influence of TV crime dramas on American juries, known as the “CSI Effect,” and how it affects law enforcement.
She describes the misinformed jury who asked for the fingerprints from a lawn; how the officer on the stand can sway the jury; bathroom caulk inappropriately used to extract evidence on TV; and even Jack Klugman’s “Quincy.”
Henderson, a former federal prosecutor from Washington, D.C., is currently director of National Clearing House for Science, Technology and the Law (www.ncstl.org). The NIJ project is a free online resource with expert information on forensic science and technology and is utilized by a broad audience from law enforcement officers to scientists.
Conquering the beast: Making the media your friend
Media Relations expert Chris Ryan tells law enforcement to be more “maverick-like” when dealing with news hungry reporters. In the following interview, the former news commentator, known in law enforcement circles for his “PIO Boot Camp,” reports the best way to control the media is to feed the beast.
Good media relations = Good community relations
Emmy Award winning television news veteran and law enforcement media relations trainer, Russell Ruffin, says a good relationship with the media means a good relationship with the general public because that’s how the public gets its information. In the following interview, Ruffin discusses how law enforcement agencies can control the flow of information, seize control of news interviews, spin negative reports into positive press, and work proactively with the media.
Radio Transmissions: Ohio Chase, Shooting
Two Blue Ash officers were injured and a suspect was shot dead after a police chase turned violent, Aug. 28
What Happened to ASLET?
For almost twenty years, the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers (ASLET) was the largest and most active police training organization in the world. Then, in late 2006, and with no notice to members, it closed its doors and disappeared. This interview with Pat Martin, the last chair of the ASLET Board of Directors, explains what brought about ASLET’s demise.