ReserveCop.Com

On May 28, 2011, Bexar County (Texas) Sergeant Kenneth Vann was gunned down while he sat in his patrol vehicle at a stop light. As we've repeatedly warned, uniformed officers in marked cruisers are targets. This fact specifically spells trouble and serious risk for VIPS-type community service units manned with well-meaning, uniformed, but unarmed and untrained civilian volunteers. Ambushing parties may not distinguish -- or care -- about the fact that they are killing unarmed non LEO volunteers. We previously reported on the Columbia SC deputy ambushed at night, and the killings of the Washington State police officers who were at breakfast. Again, cops are targets. There is an important place in America for volunteer policing, but it requires volunteer POLICE -- trained, properly equipped, and operationally integrated reserve law enforcement officers. God Bless SGT Vann, and our prayers to his family.

Gangs are learning fast.  Tactics are changing, and developing into a new tactical challenge that continues to erode the very fabric of our civilization.  Things to note:

Many of the clothing signals (colors) are gone.

Tatoos are no longer encouraged.

Signalling is toned down.

The goal is to blend in.  Like all successful guerilla movements, you want to be an anonymous fish swimming within the massive school (no pun intended).  Why do gangs work:  because they make money - lots of it (for the leaders, anyway).  And, they have the certainty of violence on their side. 

Just because we don't see them, it doesn't mean that they're not there.  Be alert.  Be aware.  Stay Safe.   

Saturday morning, the first day of May 2010, Maplewood (MN) Police Sgt. Joseph Bergeron, 49, was fatally shot while responding to a reported carjacking. The Council, on behalf of all law enforcement officers, sends its heartfelt condolences to Sergeant Bergeron's wife and two daughters. We also share the grief felt by Maplewood PD and all who served with him.

A jogger on a nearby trail heard the shot that killed Bergeron, a married father of two and a 26-year police veteran, and turned back around to see two suspects fleeing, police said. The jogger used the officer's radio to call for help, and the carjacking victim warned police that at least one of the suspects was armed.

This continues an unusual nationwide phenomenon that has seen officers shot - and murdered - over the past year. As uniformed officers in marked patrol units, we are clearly visible as a reassuring sign of police presence and crime prevention. Unfortunately, we are also easy targets. Public outrage over this phenonmena has been muted.

The hallmark of an effective ambush is total surprise. This fact does not bode well for the officer on duty. We all respond to calls. We now need to do this more carefully. When responding, we need to consider parking in a tactically sound area, approaching using cover and concealment while we observe the location and its surroundings, and ensure that we have backup. This points to the need for jurisdictions to consider two-man patrol units. If this solution is unaffordable, maybe it's time to consider implementing or expanding a reserve law enforcement program.

It's important for all officers to ensure personal and agency operational security (OPSEC).  Good OPSEC means that you and your entire agency maintains tight security involving equipment, informtion, and opertional activities.  Be careful about who you talk to, and not who may be showing undue interest in your activities as an officer, or in your agency in particular.