LAPD Going to Rubber Flashights?

[Buzliteyear]

LOS ANGELES - Responding to criticisms of a videotaped beating in which a suspected car thief was hit repeatedly with a heavy flashlight, Police Chief William Bratton said Tuesday that officers would soon begin carrying smaller, rubberized flashlights.

Police allege motorist Stanley Miller led them on a 30-minute chase after they saw him run a stop sign in a car that had reportedly been stolen. The chase ended when Miller jumped out and was tackled by officers as he stopped and appeared to be surrendering. He was on the ground when Officer John Hatfield struck him 11 times with a metal flashlight.

The incident was videotaped by television news helicopters.

Bratton said he was confident officers would accept the idea of using smaller flashlights.

[darrell]

They will no doubt go to the Streamlight 20XP

[acreature]

And thus, rather than having an impact weapon ready, they will have to spend valuable seconds to pull out their ASPs to defend themselves or others.

[michiganstud]

What's the difference if they hit him with their flashlight or a baton?

If they have a small flashlight then they'll just use a baton.

[acreature]

We are trained to use our Flashlights as an Impact weapon.... Like the ASP.

When chasing suspects, walking into Domestics etc, you usually have your flashlight out (if at night). Now, with little rubber flashlights drawn, if the Officer needs an Impact weapon; the Officer has to draw their ASP rather than having an Impact ready.

Seconds not only saves lives, but Injuries too.

I hope the Chief thought this through with the ranks of the PD, rather than just doing it. One officer allegedly using bad judgement should not be dealt to the entire Dept.

Even though I would hold firm that the strikes were pain compliance strikes for the suspects arm being extended and not under control of the involved Officers.

[Toeknee112]

Oh F*** me! What's next? Nerf batons? 9v Tasers? Mild salsa spray?

[Norm357]

Oh F*** me! What's next? Nerf batons? 9v Tasers? Mild salsa spray?

Bwahahahahahahahaha! Mild salsa spray! Want some nachos with that? :D

[michiganstud]

Oh F*** me! What's next? Nerf batons? 9v Tasers? Mild salsa spray?

LOL............................................... now that's good

[Whitewolf1970]

Oh F*** me! What's next? Nerf batons? 9v Tasers? Mild salsa spray?

Hehehehe... :D You're funny, ToeKnee112. Nerf batons? Are there some rubber batons I can clobber myself with 'em? Because I can't stop laughin'. Can you pass me the mild salsa spray? I need it for my tacos! uhh..ooh..it's not for tacooos? <gulp> Water!!! Plez, water!!!

I know it sucks! Bratton had no choice but decided to announced the rubberized flashlights instead large ones.

[Seand442]

I carry a jar of sliced jalepenos at all times. when the **** hits the fan, you can't beat throwing a pepper in the eye.
Unfortunately, this is what happens when you involve the media in something they have no business in. I would bet my meager little paycheck this decision had a lot to do with media and public pressure to change something. Nobody would care about this entire situation if that helicopter wasn't broadcasting that day.

[SnowLeopard]

Flashlights are interesting.

When I found out that the maglights could be used as batons, I started telling my troops about that.

"Lieutenant," said the supply petty officer, "please don't tell them that. They are frightfully expensive."

And yet, when one is considering flashlights, they should consider more than their use as batons. I have found in my gun drills that the underwater kinetics 4 cell lights are excellent for they provide a second weapons source. Not only am I using them to illuminate the target, but also, I am using that bright light to put it in their eyes, blind them.

It's perfect! It's small, easily held in the non shootinghand, bright, doesn't burn up in the air (as an underwater light, that is a consideration)......but it is not perfect. Its flip switch makes it hard to turn off and on which may be vital in a search and shoot (destroy) mission.

Hence, my gun light is one of two. In my shooting side bag, it's underwater kinetics because that's what fits. But I train with, carry it close, a large mag light because of that quick push button, because with the accessory sleeve, it is more useable.

Now, of course, H&K makes a light that can be mounted on the slides......but A and B. A, I'm not trained that way but to hold the light out from my body. B, Not really sure how that light will fit in the shoulder holster.
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("How do we tell others about our organization? How about getting time on the light display in the snack bar?"--me
"Interesting. Any other bright ideas?"---president of professional group, (wtte), personal history)

[MOCOP]

Take another tool away.The answer to any thing the special intrest groups don't like. I feel sorry for the LAPD Officers.If Bratton doesn't quite bending bowing and A#$% kissing they are gonna end up on patrol driving big wheels and armed with super soakers.

[acreature]

Most Police Chiefs and Sheriff's of very large Departments are merely Administrators. They know nothing of pure Law Enforcement, and take their foot out of their *** just long enough to shove it into their mouths!

[MOCOP]

Well said acreature..........YOUR MY NEW HERO :D

[LAconfidential]

(as for the pressure point, a few days after our group saw the LAPD flashlight beating, we did a little re-inactment... instead of whacking with a flashlight, one of the guys drove his knee on a pressure point in the back of the shoulder, and every single time, every single guy let that little rubber knife slip out of his hand. so, he didn't have to keep on whacking him, there was a better way to do it.)


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that's copy and pasted from the 'Training' forum, in the 'FMA in Law Enforcement' thread...