Letter From the Editor – July 2022

Every month there is a different focus. It might be cultural history or a contemporary social cause… but July ought to be devoted to our national independence and the celebration thereof. I am well aware of how much work our law enforcement officers can be called upon to do during the Fourth of July/Independence Day celebrations and how many officers dread the day. On the other hand, I remain aware of how unique our nation is in the world and the opportunities available here that no other country offers in quite the same way. For those reasons, and many more, I believe that celebrating our independence is something we should all look forward to and participate in – and keep in mind day to day rather than just on the specified holiday.

This issue is packed full of great information for officers of every rank. From Lindsey Bertomen’s review of the Mossberg 590S Shockwave shotgun to Chief Harvey’s article about the roots of law enforcement and the value thereof, you’ll find something of interest. Our associate editor, Joe Vince, gives us a great article about protecting our K-9s and our investigations contributor, Brendan Rodela, provides us some insight into how a repeatedly deported criminal exploited flaws in the immigration system to murder his way through six states.

We have a couple articles about officer safety, especially where vehicle enforcement is concerned. The number of officers till dying in traffic accidents because they aren’t wearing their seatbelts is far too high (ONE is too many). In the back of the magazine you’ll find a short review of a motorcycle helmet intercom system perfect for the recreational rider (and used almost daily by our editorial director and his wife).

And last, but far from least, you’ll find a Special Section of content dealing with duty cameras and video management. If your agency has or is considering a drone program, check out the article about drones being your Eye in the Sky. If your agency has even one body camera, dashboard camera, etc. (and what agency has just one?), be sure to check out the article on video storage and management. If you’re not well versed in the value of video, be sure to read the article from Editor Paul Peluso, written after his Q&A with some industry experts about the benefits of using video for law enforcement.

Finally, if there’s something you’d like to read about and we’re not covering it, send me an email and let me know: [email protected]. We’re happy to do the research and include topics as they fit into our editorial calendar.

Stay Safe!