Dear Reader,
Every day police officers, deputy sheriffs and custody officers across America run into situations where it is both necessary and proper to knock a suspect down, but where it is not reasonable to use a firearm. There is a growing list of hand-held electronic, chemical and other types of nonlethal "knockdown" devices available and in development. The challenge is to find and obtain the best available technology It is also essential that you create sound policies and training programs to govern their use. The best devices will not be of benefit unless your personnel have an appreciation for injury-reduction philosophy and tactics to use the devices appropriately.
You may want to obtain a copy of my publication, "Nonlethal Weapons vs. Conventional Police Tactics: The Los Angeles Police Department Experience," which reports on injuries and effectiveness rates for eight common police "knockdown" tactics and devices. It addresses research and development issues, myths and misinformation; and policy, training and tactical issues pertaining to nonlethal weapons. To obtain the publication, correspond with me by e-mail or telephone. The publication costs $35 if you send your check. (If you prefer to be billed, the cost is $40.) Hundreds of copies have been mailed out, world-wide.
I am indebted to Wayne W. Schmidt, Esq., who is Executive Director of Americans for Effective Law Enforcement (the Chicago-based legal research and professional association). Wayne took an interest in my work, and he informed others of it. The more people who know how to save lives, the more lives will be saved.
We can get the job done while causing fewer and less severe injuries to suspects and officers than we have in the past. I have a strong, personal commitment to do what is necessary to further the movement of nonlethal weapons and injury reduction processes for law enforcement. This commitment requires working within the law enforcement profession and being available as a consultant and writer in order to have maximum impact on these issues.
I invite you to call or write with any questions or comments.
Greg Meyer
Police Tactics Consultant
Phone: (800) 453-5518
Fax: (562) 927-2347
E-Mail: gregmeyer@earthlink.net