2012 marks the 119th year of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and this year’s annual conference (Sept. 29 – Oct. 3) was held at the San Diego Convention Center. The opening ceremonies of the conference on Saturday saw presentations by Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, IACP President Walter McNeil and San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne. Following is a round up of some of the best and most interesting products found at the show. – Dennis Adler and William Bell
Alternative Ballistics “The Alternative”
“The Alternative” instantly converts the LE firearm into a less-lethal system that incapacitates using blunt force trauma. The device is carried on the duty belt and is slipped onto the muzzle of the handgun. When the weapon is fired the bullet travels through the docking mechanism into the cavity of The Alternative where it imbeds adding its mass and forward momentum to the projectile.
This separates the projectile from the docking mechanism and it moves along the intended path of the bullet. A large, blunt rubber sleeve on the projectile lessens velocity and penetrating energy resulting in less injury to the assailant’s body. The docking mechanism immediately separates from the weapon after firing allowing an instant return to lethal action. 619-326-4411, Alternativeballistics.com.
Armor Express ARA-Shock ICW
Armor Express, the successor to Second Chance (the originator of soft body armor), has a new ARA-Shock ICW “shock plate” that can instantly upgrade a Level II or IIA ballistic vest up to Level IIIA ballistic protection. An Aramid semi-rigid armor plate with a rubberized coating, it has a thickness of just 0.18”and comes in 3 sizes; 5”x8”, 7”x10” and 10”x12”; weighing from 0.26 lbs. to 0.78 Lbs. Made to slide into the front pocket of a ballistic vest, this flexible plate offers increased protection for vital organs in the upper chest. 866-357-3845, Armorexpress.com.
ArmStar BodyGuard 9XI
Think “Robo-Cop.” The ArmStar BodyGuard 9XI is the first less-lethal system that attaches to the arm of the user making it virtually impossible to lose in a struggle. It is primarily an electric stun device, but it has a number of additional features designed to deter a potential assailant.
First is the load crack and flash of the stun devices electrical arc; added to this are options like a LED flashlight, green laser, HD video/audio camera, and OC spray. It has a docking station for a smartphone allowing use of GPS, wireless streaming and other technologies. It also leaves both hands to be free in the event more forceful measures are needed. 714-639-1005, Armstar.net.
DeSantis Gunhide Level 6 Multiple Use Holster
Designed for Glock, S&W M&P, and the Sig P229 (other models to come) this all-new DeSantis glass reinforced injection-molded duty holster has up to five levels of retention. Its modular design allows one holster to serve as a Level 5 retention duty belt rig, and with a quick change locking clip, replace the belt module with a paddle mount, high ride belt mount, or molle mount for attachment to a tactical vest. By removing the upper section of the holster, which houses the thumb release cover, the same rig can be converted to a Level 4 with an integral Picatinny accessory rail on top to store a tactical light or light laser. The dual trigger finger/thumb releases are also individually removable to make the holster a Level 2 open top design for CCW use.
The five optional retention levels are comprised of the molded holster’s trigger guard detent tensioning device (internal passive safety retention Level 1), the manually activated thumb release cover, which can be pushed to either side, and the combined thumb and trigger finger releases, which must be depressed (squeezed) simultaneously in order to draw the firearm. The sample pictured is a prototype and availability and price will be announced soon. Desantisholster.com; 1-800-424-1236.
The sample pictured is a prototype and availability and price will be announced soon. (800) 424-1236, Desantisholster.com.
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