By Lindsey J. Bertomen, C1 Contributor
Around this time every year I compile a list of some of year’s most innovative gadgets and gear that I – and law enforcement officers like myself – are eyeing for the holidays. Here are six things every officer would be thrilled to find under the tree this season. What gadgets make your wish list? Add them to the comments section below.
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1. FTWGA T-shirt
Price: 12.95
Christmas is about partnerships and collaboration so I’m beginning this year’s wish list with a worthy cause: I bumped into Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer at the SHOT Show last year, where he told me he partnered with VERTX for FTWGA products. The purpose is to create awareness for those serving in the military and first responders. You’ll want a For Those Who Gave All (FTWGA) shirt to help spread the word. Purchase here.
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2. Tactical Solutions TSG-22
Price: $445
Of course the first product I want is something that shoots. The TSG-22 is a drop-in conversion kit that converts all generations of Glock 17/22 and 19/23 to 22LR. It turns your Glock into a serious training tool. I managed to get my hands on one and ran a whole brick through it in a day. It fits most holsters designed for their full caliber counterparts. This product is accurate, reliable and a great way to practice failure drills and multiple engagements. Purchase here.
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3. Tuff-Writer Bolt Flashlight
Price: $99.95
What do you get when a custom knife maker, indestructible pen maker, and FOURSEVENS join forces? The most advanced tactical illumination innovation this year, that’s what. This flashlight features top-of-the-line intricacy and detail in a league of its own. This is a bolt-actuated, precision machined flashlight made of 6061-T6 aluminum.
It’s about the size of a penlight (5.83x .71 inches, 2.7 oz, loaded, CR2 cells). It fires a maximum 470 lumens from a Cree XM-L2, it has a low setting that is probably about 1 lumen, and a strobe feature.
It’s great for cops because it’s a pocket-sized light that can out-distance most full sized torches, complete with a bright center and usable spill beam. Plus the bolt action gives it better index and control for gun manipulations. Purchase here.
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4. Cogito Classic Watch
Price: $179
Besides being a great looking analog-style watch, the Cogito Classic Watch connects to your phone (iPhone and Android). I like this product because I can monitor my incoming messages and calls without taking my eyes off the road.
The most useful feature I have found is the ability to remotely trigger the phone’s camera – and not just for ‘selfies’ either. It can shoot a shot that won’t jar the camera. It runs on a coin cell for months and has 10 ATM water-resistance. Purchase here.
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5. Burg 12 Watch
Price: $199
The Burg 12 Watch is a completely different take on a watch. It is a real “Dick Tracy” tool and probably the smartest of the smart watches. Not only does it connect with your smartphone, it is also a standalone phone, complete with touchscreen and stylus.
In addition to making and receiving calls, it plays music, take pictures with its integrated camera, and records events. The touchscreen screen is 1.54”, 240x240 pixels and the Burg 12 has a SIM and Micro SD slot.
I like it because I carry as little as possible for trail runs. For a few hours I can jettison my big phone. I also know someone whose cell phone took a trip down Vernal Fall in Yosemite. Sometimes, it pays to have a back-up. Purchase here.
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6. On Combat, The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and Peace by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Loren W Christensen (ISBN: 9780964920545)
Price: ~ $18.00 paperback; $10 on Kindle
My training buddy, a martial artist with decades of experience, loaned this book to me.
On Combat is a thorough analysis of the mental and physical processes of violent encounters. Grossman not only details the physiological aspects of “fight-or-flight,” he provides concrete examples of encounters and outlines inoculation strategies, followed by recovery strategies. The writing is factual, frank and required reading material for anyone who serves in uniform.
This book is available for under $20, but let me outline a purchase plan: If you are an FTO, hand a copy to your rookie. If you are an NCO Team Leader, this should be part of your platoon library and assigned reading for everyone. Purchase here.