So Ford is replacing the classic Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with a Taurus-based model. That’s right, the Ford Taurus. I can’t even say it will blend in with civilian cars on the road since I can’t think of anybody in his right mind who would pay money for a Taurus. I owned a Taurus back in the 90s. What a POS. My sister-in-law owned one. What a POS. The Crown Vic hasn’t been updated in 15 years so I guess we’ll see how long these last. However, I will say that Ford has gone all out on the new package. With over 90% of the interior updated, the front seats feature anti-stab plates and the rear seats are vinyl to clean up after that obnoxious drunk perp vomits all over the back of your cruiser. Gone is the V-8, the new Interceptor will come with a turbo-charged V-6 that is 25% more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Having said that, the new turbo-charged engine boasts 115 more horsepower than the Crown Vic. The new 365-horsepower V6 is the same found in the stock Taurus SHO. So it’s newer, more fuel efficient, accelerates twice as fast as the Crown Vic, but still…it’s a Taurus.
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Recently, my friends at Protect The Force told me that they wanted to show me an extraordinary technology that was initially designed to protect women from sexual assaults but that could be used for a variety of personal protection tasks. I must admit that in my mind’s eye I formed a picture of some sort of chastity belt-like contraption. Fortunately, my imagination run wild was nowhere near the truth of the matter. Instead, I was shown the video below and it brought everything into focus.
I immediately “got it” and began running scenarios in my head where I could apply the technology. I mean who couldn’t see the potential here? It’s phenomenal. No-Contact’s technology was developed by Adam Whiton, a researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Yolita Nugent, an apparel designer. Named Conducted Energy Clothing, the concept is simple; bad guy grabs you, much to his chagrin he gets shocked, he unhands you, you fight or flight.
Now I can imagine that some of you are skeptical but they’ve been working on this for awhile. No, it won’t shock you. The wearer is insulated from the effects of the charged outer layer. Additionally, the garment features a Teflon coated waterproof layer to protect the wearer in the rain. Concerned about power requirements? Currently, the system is powered by a single 9v battery.
Remember, the system was initially designed to protect women from sexual assault. It had to be simple to use, so you wear it. Unlike firearms or blade weapons, it requires no training. Once armed, the system is passive. In fact, they are working on a variant that will allow security personnel to remotely activate someone’s CEC in the event they are unable to themselves. This would be great for VIPs and others who risk kidnapping or assault. Even in its current configuration the CEC technology is well suited for Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Security officers.
Some statistics to consider:
“Close-quarters assault from aggressors using fists and hands account for more than 80% of all total assaults faced by law enforcement officers.” Federal Bureau of Investigation 2008 Uniform Crime Report
“No Weapons were used in 74% of all violent crime incidents on civilian victims, just fists and hands. In addition offenders used a weapon in only 1% of all rapes/sexual assaults. Most often fists and hands are used to overpower and restrain the victim.” U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2008
Ever once in awhile you run across a new product that you look at and say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” It is at once both simple in design and purpose. The TacWedge is just such an item. Designed as a response to Active Shooter scenarios, the TacWedge is probably the only item that someone unarmed and untrained can employ to greatly increase their survivability. This makes it perfect for use in schools, hospitals and government buildings. It’s so simple anyone can use it.
It is simple to use. Place it on the floor cleats down and kick it under the door jam. The cleats will bite into the floorboards and prevent the door from opening. Conversely, the TacWedge can also be used to keep doors open by inserting it sideways between door and frame atop a hinge or it can be used as a simple door wedge when placed upside down.
The TacWedge is also available as a training model. Naturally it comes in “Bluegun Blue†and does not have the cleats on the bottom so it can be used over and over again with no damage to flooring.
To order visit www.tacwedge.com. The TacWedge can only be ordered by tactical professionals. Agencies can source the TacWedge through Tidewater Tactical.
Tags: LE, TacWedge Posted in LE | Comments Off on TacWedge
