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Cellebrite’s 2024 Industry Trends Survey Reveals Urgent Digital Challenges in Law Enforcement

Monday, November 13th, 2023

Annual Public Sector Survey Highlights Growing Need for Digital Intelligence Integration and SolutionsTYSONS CORNER, VA and PETAH TIKVA, Israel – November 13, 2023 – Cellebrite DI Ltd. (Nasdaq: CLBT), a global leader in Digital Intelligence (DI) solutions, unveils the critical insights from its 2024 Industry Trends Survey for the Public Sector. Now in its fifth year, the survey findings reveal the urgent need for agencies to digitally transform key workflows to address severe staffing shortages and a growing volume of evidence.

The survey, gathering insights from 2,000 law enforcement leaders and practitioners, underscores challenges in device access, data extraction, evidence management and analysis. A notable majority report increased overtime and insufficient training to tackle digitally driven crimes. Disturbingly, many still rely on outdated paper-based reviews or manual digital tools, resulting in a staggering 45 hours typically spent reviewing digital evidence per case. With three out of four practitioners agreeing digital evidence is pivotal in case resolution, it is critical for agencies to adopt technologies that will transform their workflows, increase productivity and create efficiencies to solve cases faster, smarter and more defensibly.

“Technology has changed the nature of crime,” says Steve Foster, Special Agent in Charge at the Georgia Bureau of Investigations whose unit utilizes Cellebrite technology to solve crimes. “We need the tools and people in place to be able to work through the challenges.”

“Digital evidence continues to play an important role in modern investigations. As criminal technology evolves, it is that much more critical agencies are equipped with the tools, solutions and training needed to identify and analyze all case data,” said Leeor Ben-Peretz, Chief Strategy Officer, Cellebrite. “This year’s survey validates our commitment to supporting agencies through their digital transformations, help them manage their growing caseloads, and reduce investigator and examiner fatigue.”

Key survey revelations include:

· Increase in evidence sources: significant YoY increase from cryptocurrency, car infotainment systems and wearables

· Examiner reports to investigators: In 2021, it took an average of six days for investigators to receive an extraction report from examiners, which has now increased to 14 days

· Evidence Handling: 75-80% agencies use portable drives or USB sticks for evidence, risking chain-of-custody breaches

· Growing Backlogs: 52% see worsening case backlogs year-on-year

· Evidence Sources Expand: Smartphones dominate, but cryptocurrency, cars and wearables are on the rise

· Digital Evidence Power: 60% of practitioners deem digital evidence has more impact on case resolution than DNA

· Evidence Delays: 75% of investigators note device analysis can exceed two weeks, even in high profile cases

· Tech’s Role: 65% of agency managers believe technology can alleviate staffing strains

The annual survey includes respondents from North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. To view the full survey results, please click here.

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US Customs and Border Protection Selects Accuracy International for Modular Precision Weapon Platform

Tuesday, October 31st, 2023

Accuracy International has announced that they were selected to provide the Modular Precision Weapon Platform to US Customs and Border Protection with the award of an IDIQ contract.

The firearm selected is based on their AT-X rifle and is a multi-caliber solution.

Posted in Contracts, LE, weapons | 12 Comments »

New Public Order Shields from DEFILADE

Thursday, October 26th, 2023

Introducing DEFILADE’s line of public order shields: where modern police tactics meet modern innovation. Built with impact absorbing, flame resistant polycarbonate. DEFILADE’s shields are lightweight, easy to maneuver with three models to fit your operational requirements. Available shields:

Interlocking

• Can be used individually or interlocked together to form a wall or roof

• Ideal for stand-offs, provides maximum protection from projectiles and direct confrontations

• Grips are covered in rubber for improved stability and significant reduction in vibration

• Available in 4ft or 6ft lengths

Round

• Lightweight, easy to maneuver

• Ideal for quick intervention tactics, allows ability to move through a crowd

• Can easily be carried with one hand, leaving the other hand free for other equipment

Learn More: defiladeps.com/shields

DEFILADE Protection Systems

Modern Policing. Modern Protection.

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North Carolina and North Dakota Police Chiefs and Federal Firearms Licensees Indicted for Conspiracy to Illegally Acquire Machineguns and Other Firearms

Friday, October 20th, 2023

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging five defendants with a conspiracy to illegally acquire machineguns and other regulated firearms. Charged in the indictment, which was unsealed yesterday are: Sean Reidpath Sullivan, age 38, of Gambrills, Maryland; Larry Allen Vickers, age 60, of Charlotte, North Carolina; James Christopher Tafoya, age 45, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Matthew Jeremy Hall, age 53, of Four Oaks, North Carolina; and James Sawyer, age 50, of Ray, North Dakota.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Inspector General Joseph Y. Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (“DHS OIG”).

According to the 26-count indictment, Hall and Sawyer were Chiefs of Police in Coats, North Carolina and Ray, North Dakota, respectively. Sullivan was the owner and operator of Trident, LLC, located in Gambrills, Maryland, and was also an Intelligence Analyst with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. Sullivan and Trident were Federal Firearms Licensees (“FFLs”) and Special Occupational Taxpayers (“SOTs”), which allowed them, in certain circumstances, to possess, import, manufacture, and deal in fully automatic firearms (machineguns) and other regulated firearms. Tafoya and Vickers owned and operated firearms related businesses in New Mexico and North Carolina and were also FFLs and SOTs.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in at least June 2018 through at least March 2021, the defendants conspired to acquire machineguns and/or other restricted firearms, such as short-barreled rifles, by falsely representing that the firearms would be used for demonstration to law enforcement agencies, including the Coats Police Department and the Ray Police Department. The indictment further alleges that Hall, Sawyer, and other conspirators signed law letters with no expectation that the weapons would ever be demonstrated to their respective law enforcement agencies.

The defendants allegedly intended to impermissibly import into the United States and resell the machineguns and other firearms for profit or to keep for their own use and enjoyment. Sullivan allegedly submitted the false law letters to the ATF seeking to import the machineguns and other restricted weapons. Once the firearms were received, Sullivan allegedly kept some of the machineguns and other restricted weapons and transferred some of the weapons to Vickers, Tafoya, and other conspirators.

In addition to the indictment, Larry Vickers pleaded guilty yesterday to participating in the conspiracy to import and obtain machineguns and other restricted firearms and admitted that he received some of the imported machineguns and other weapons. As detailed in his plea agreement, Vickers kept some of the machineguns and other restricted weapons in his personal collection and transferred other machineguns and restricted weapons to other FFLs and third parties. Vickers also pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions against a foreign firearms manufacturer between July 2014 and March 2021, in the Southern District of Florida.

Vickers faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy to violate federal law regulating firearms and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin has not yet scheduled sentencing for Vickers.

If convicted, Sullivan, Tafoya, Hall, and Sawyer face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy to violate federal law regulating firearms and for each count of false statements related to submission of a law letter. Sullivan and Tafoya face a maximum of five years in federal prison for each count of unlawful importation of a firearm and for each count of making a false statement in records maintained by FFLs. Sullivan also faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for unlawful possession of unregistered machineguns and 10 years in federal prison for using criminal proceeds to conduct financial transactions. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sullivan and Tafoya have already had an initial appearance U.S. District Court in Baltimore and were released pending trial. Hall and Sawyer are expected to have an initial appearance at a later date.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, the FBI, the IRS-CI on behalf of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and DHS-OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys P. Michael Cunningham and Christine Goo, who are prosecuting the case and recognized Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Sean O’Dowd of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Criminal Division, respectively, for their work on the Vickers guilty plea.

Posted in Industry, LE, Press Release | 16 Comments »

Cobalt Kinetics Equipped Lubbock P.D. S.W.A.T. Wins TTPOA 2023 SWAT Competition

Friday, October 20th, 2023

October 20th, 2023: Cobalt Kinetics, a manufacturer of exquisitely designed (and expertly built) American Masterpiece firearms and accessories; is proud to announce the First-place win of the “Cobalt equipped” Lubbock, TX Police Departments’ S.W.A.T. team at the TTPOA 2023 SWAT Competition (Oct 5th- 8th 2023). The Lubbock, TX team rose to first place and claimed their victory at the end of the grueling competition all whilst running their (departmentally purchased) 12.5” CK-Pro rifles. The team has also adopted the 14.5” CK-SPR Elites for the Sniper Team/ Section.

“We could not have been more excited to learn that the 1st place rifle sponsor for the competition was Cobalt, especially since our SWAT team just went to all Cobalt Rifles. It just felt like it was meant to be.”

– Jasper Koenig (Lubbock, TX P.D. SWAT)

The Lubbock SWAT team is one of many satisfied adopters of the Cobalt Kinetics platform/s and have quickly noticed how the implementation of (properly designed) equipment allows them to commit to their daily tasks with ease. The Cobalt LE/ GOV division also provides Lifetime Warranty on the platforms, Lifetime Warranty on duty barrels, and Officer Involved Shooting insurance (duty platform swap until it is released from evidence) on all department contract platforms. If you (and your department) would like to book an in-house demo with our LE sales team, please make sure to reach out to us (Sales@CobaltKinetics.com). Your team will quickly be able to see the first-hand benefits of swapping your department over to the “Cobalt Advantage”.

For more information on Cobalt Kinetics and their products go to www.CobaltKinetics.com

Posted in Industry, LE, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Cobalt Kinetics Equipped Lubbock P.D. S.W.A.T. Wins TTPOA 2023 SWAT Competition

FBI Seeks New Holsters

Friday, October 20th, 2023

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released a request for information to industry for holsters which for their GLOCK pistols. Pursuant to this RFI, the Government plans to schedule individual vendor demonstrations over a period of two (2) days, November 8-9, 2023.

According to the RFI, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Firearms Training Unit (FTU) is responsible for training FBI agents and issuing holsters for new agent training. This consists of the Glock 17M Gen 5 and Glock 19M Gen 5. Recent additions of suppressor height sights and red dot sights have created the need for a different holster than what has been issued in the past.

Desired characteristics:

Meet the basic requirements as contained in FBI Policy, as it relates to “Approved for duty carry.”

a. All holsters must be Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant.

b. No components shall have been used previously.

c. All holsters shall present a 0 degree vertical draw. The capability to slightly cant the weapon through attachment options is acceptable. The vender must submit all attachments required to achieve canting.

d. Holsters must fit their respective Glock 17 Gen5 MOS and Glock 19 Gen5 MOS pistols in the following configurations:

1. Equipped with the Aimpoint ACRO P2 optical sight, Aimpoint adapter plate AP-200520, and AmeriGlo Custom Firearms suppressor height sight set (GL-815, GL-814, GL-813); and

2. Equipped with the Trijicon RMR Type 2 optical sight, C&H Precision Glock MOS V4 Plate (GL-RSH), and Ameriglo Custom Firearms suppressor height sight set (GL-815, GL-814, GL-813).

e. The pistol will have a mounted light attached to the accessory rail with the following characteristics:

• United States Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant.

• Mounted to the rail on a Glock 19M and Glock 17M handguns

• Weight not to exceed 4.5 ounces empty

• Length not to exceed 3.75 inches or past the front of the gun barrel

• Depth not to exceed the width of a Glock 19M and Glock 17M handguns

• Switch controlled with ability to one a single finger operation

• Battery light run time: Minimum 1.5 hours

• Attached and detached from the gun without the aid of a tool

f. Holsters shall not be modified to fit both pistols (G17 and G19), i.e. an adapter which allows either pistol to fit in the same holster.

g. Tactical Light-bearing holsters shall be available only in black.

h. Tactical holsters shall accommodate both the Aimpoint ACRO P2 electronic mounted optic option (Modular Optic System) and the Trijicon RMR Type 2 electronic mounted optic option (MOS).

i. Holsters will have an active retention device.

2. Tactical Light-Bearing Holster – Glock 17 Gen5 MOS AND Glock 19 Gen5 MOS Shall:

a. Holsters must not utilize glass filled material.

b. All of the operational controls for the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS and Glock 19 Gen5 MOS shall fit without exception, to include the Glock Part Number 33713 dual extended magazine catch and the Glock Part Number 47249 extended ambidextrous slide stop lever.

c. Be constructed of durable material that will not excessively scratch, mar, or abrade any contact surface of the weapon through the life cycle of the holster.

d. The material and design shall be rigid enough not to allow any digit of the hand to pass between the holster and the trigger guard covering to prevent access to the trigger while the weapon is holstered. The trigger guard shall be fully covered.

e. The holster shall have an active retention device.

f. Secure the holster and weapon to the body at the belt line strong side.

g. Holster shall secure the weapon through strenuous physical activity.

h. Holster shall allow the weapon to be drawn and holstered with one hand.

i. The holster shall not have a lining on the interior of the holster that is susceptible to swelling in humid or wet climates.

j. The design of the holster shall fit the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS and Glock 19 Gen5 MOS exclusively. No holsters that are designed to fit “All Glocks”, or a generic fit will be accepted. Holsters which fit the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS and Glock 19 Gen5 MOS are acceptable.

k. The holster shall be attached to the wearer at the beltline strong side with an adapter that drops the weapon not less than 1.5 inches and not more than 4 inches below the belt line as measured from the top of the belt to the back of the rear sight.

l. The attachment to the body shall be durable and sturdy enough to retain the weapon and holster on the body during strenuous physical activity, to include inversion.

m. The holster shall be of sufficient design and rigidity that the holster will not flex while seated activating some of the operating controls of the weapon, for example, ejecting a magazine because of flex tension on the magazine catch.

n. The holster shall retain the weapon as certified by the manufacturer, with the same level of retention, with or without a light attached.

o. The holster shall secure the weapon through violent motion forward, backward, and straight up without disengaging the retention device. The retention device shall not suffer catastrophic damage through this action.

p. The type, design, and placement of the retention device shall not change or alter the establishment of the grip by the strong hand.

q. The retention device shall be of a design so as not to telegraph its purpose or function.

r. The retention device shall not require the use of the trigger finger.

s. The holster shall not be secured with a leg strap.

t. The holster shall accommodate the above mentioned weapon mounted light characteristics, which do not extend forward of the gun barrel and are not wider than the widest measured width of the gun. Also, the holster does not extend significantly past the end of the length of the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS and Glock 19 Gen5 MOS gun barrel.

To be considered, vendors must submit a company capabilities statement NLT 1:00pm CDT, October 27, 2023. Full details are available at SAM.gov.

Posted in Holsters, LE | 6 Comments »

Lubbock SWAT Takes 1st Place at the 2023 Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Annual SWAT Competition

Sunday, October 15th, 2023

ROUND ROCK, Texas – October 8, 2023 – The Texas Tactical Police Officers Association recently completed its annual SWAT competition, title sponsored this year by Sons of Liberty Gun Works. Thirty-six teams competed this year, with nine out-of-state teams and collegiate marksmanship teams entering. Past recent years have included international competitors as well. The competition was held over four days, and teams ran in eight separate events.

Friday & Saturday of the competition included a vendor show, with 5.11 Tactical, Cobalt Kinetics, Point Blank Enterprises, Safariland Systems, and Triarc Systems helping the competition as Platinum sponsors.

TTPOA President Dan Calosanto applauded Lubbock SWAT for their win – ” This was a record number of entries for us with 36 teams, and Lubbock PD deserves congratulations.”

Kolton Pirkle, member of Lubbock SWAT and sniper for the winning team, had high praise for the event. “This year’s TTPOA SWAT Competition was great. You could immediately see that the TTPOA Staff and hosting agency put in a ton of work to make the competition flow. The events were challenging and placed a large emphasis on understanding the mission, team communication during the mission, and executing the plan as a team. There was a high value placed on accuracy and accountability with high round counts and penalties for every miss or procedural violation. They provided teams with opportunities for strategy and creativity to think outside the box on how to get to the finish line. Our team has competed with TTPOA since 2012 and the event seems to get better each year. We believe that this year’s event was up there with the best. This competition definitely pushes us to train hard and get better as a team each year as well. If you are on the fence as a department or as a business looking for exposure in the tactical world, this is the event to get into. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition.”

Andy Adkins, TTPOA Vendor Coordinator, had specific praise for the vendors and sponsors at the competition. “This year was another phenomenal year of support from our beloved sponsors and vendors at the Competition. There’s no way that we could accomplish our mission of networking and providing training to officers from around the country without the support of our vendors and I must acknowledge their contribution.

Our Competition vendor show is smaller in scale than our annual conference, but still packs a serious punch when it comes to the exhibition of dynamic products designed to make the lives of our officers better, safer, and more effective.

This past year at our Conference, we hosted 200 vendors, who brought their ‘A’ game to be sure. We saw an incredible display of innovative products and I encourage anyone who is toying with the idea of attending as a student or as a vendor to find a way to get to our conference in April!”

The TTPOA will celebrate its 40th year anniversary in 2024, and the annual Conference, Training Symposium, and Vendor Show will be held April 24-28 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas. If you have interest in attending, please visit our website at www.ttpoa.org; prospective vendors can contact Andy Adkins at andy.adkins@ttpoa.org.

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Behind the Mini Shield: Chattanooga Police Department Deploys RTS Tactical Level III+ Rifle Special Threats Mini Shield

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

“As the landscape of law enforcement evolves, so does the Armor that protects our heroes. Walk with us through the corridors of Chattanooga PD, where Lt. Rusty Morrison offers a glimpse into the alliance with RTS Tactical – a bond forged in Steel and Trust.”

In an era of increasing demands for tactical proficiency and protection among Law Enforcement, the choice of equipment has never been more critical.

Departments across the country are searching for gear that provides optimum protection that is versatile and comfortable. A leading name in this domain is RTS Tactical. Our team recently had an in-depth conversation with Lt. Rusty Morrison, Organized Crime Commander of the Chattanooga Police Department, who has incorporated RTS Tactical’s Level lll+ Rifle Special Threats Shields into his Department’s Operations.

Here’s an analysis of their experience with these products.

Every police department wants equipment that performs when it matters most.

“The department was operationally “satisfied” with the overall performance of RTS Tactical Level III+ Rifle Special Threats Mini Shield.”

The shield withstood rounds from the department’s arsenal in specific testing scenarios, a testament to its resilience and capability.

“Testing and training with newly acquired equipment is an absolute must for Police Department personnel;” discussing this with Lt. Morrison provided unique insight into the performance and efficacy of our RTS Tactical Level III+ Rifle Special Threats Mini Shield™.

While protection is paramount, usability can’t be sidelined. After all, an uncomfortable or unwieldy piece of equipment can hinder operations. The feedback we received highlighted that

“the weight, balance, and maneuverability of the Mini Shields were ideal for a patrol officer.”

Our Mini Shield is offered in three different sizes:

Small: 12 x 18 inches.
Medium: 14 x 24 inches.
Large: 16 x 30 inches.

Adapting to new equipment often requires changes in training protocols and operational routines. Yet, the department’s experience showcased a seamless integration. With the purchase of 70 shields and continuous support from RTS Tactical, Lt. Morrison expressed confidence in making subsequent Mini Shield acquisitions. This sentiment underscores the product’s compatibility with their department’s training paradigm and operations.

Behind every great product is a team offering exemplary service.

Lt. Morrison was “very satisfied” with the communication and support from RTS Tactical, emphasizing the significance of a knowledgeable, responsive, and engaged vendor in the equipment selection process.

Situations will always dictate tactics. RTS Tactical incorporates this in its Design and manufacturing practices, as does Chattanooga Police Department’s SRT. After testing and training with our Mini Shields, Their SWAT team expressed interest in Mini Shields to access small crawl areas such as attic spaces. Specialized Units also mentioned exploring concealable vests, which we manufacture in our facilities in Miami, Florida.

Policing in the 21st century requires cutting-edge equipment that provides optimal protection without compromising usability. RTS Tactical’s Level lll+ Rifle Shields balance both, with a few areas left for potential enhancement. As policing needs continue evolving, so should the tools that serve our law enforcement community. Collaboration between vendors and departments, as seen with RTS Tactical, might be the key to ensuring that evolution.

“Collaborative innovation is the keystone of modern policing. Together, RTS Tactical and Law Enforcement agencies nationwide pledge to safeguard communities with the best the industry has to offer. It’s not just about equipment; it’s about a shared vision and a promise to protect.”

Be safe, train hard and often, and always be fearless!

Call us…786-796-2759

Inquire about funding through our grant program…Click Here

to inquire about making a purchase for your department or to request a T&E, fill out our Testing and Evaluation form!

Posted in Armor, LE, Press Release | 4 Comments »