Why You Should NOT Count on the Cops to Save You - The Ugly Truth About Law Enforcement Officer to Citizen Ratios
There are those who say only the cops should have guns. To them, the idea of individual citizens owning guns is frightening. They cannot fathom why any normal person would want to own one of those “death machines” that only “belong on the battlefields”. Those anti-gun people feel the way they do because they have bought into the lie that has been fed them for so long, the lie told by those in positions of authority that do not want an armed population, the lie that says “the cops will be there to protect you, you do not need guns.” To the gun control advocates, to the people who think that no citizens should own guns, or at least no semi-auto guns, to the people who place their safety and the safety of their family solely in the hands of law enforcement, to you I say: You have MUCH more faith in law enforcement than I do, and I am a law enforcement officer.
Before anyone gets upset, that is not meant as a disparaging remark directed at law enforcement. Despite what the media and some others would have you believe, cops as a whole are good people and they really do care about what happens to most of the population (criminals pretty much excluded).
We’ve all heard the saying, “When seconds count, the cops are only minutes away”. Well sadly, it really is just that simple. Let me explain to you my lack of faith in their ability to save me when seconds count. My lack of faith is based on staffing numbers, crime statistics, and as Bill Clinton likes to say, “Arithmetic”.
For a broad, well known example, I will use a large city that we are all familiar with. One with a HUGE police force, and one in which the mayor is notably VERY anti-gun, New York City. The NYPD is one of the largest police organizations in the United States. I just checked their official website and according to that, the NYPD currently has approximately 34,500 cops. That is a huge number by any stretch of the imagination. BUT, let’s put that number in perspective. According to the most recent available census data (2011), NYC is 468 square miles and has a population of 8,244,910 people. Now for some arithmetic: 8,244,910 / 34,500 = 239 citizens per cop. That is a phenomenal cop to citizen ratio. I honestly have never seen any agency with such a good ratio. I have tried to look at the NYPD’s divisional/staffing breakdown to figure out how many of those cops are actually street cops, and not administrators, detectives, property personnel, trainers, etcetera, but I cannot find those types of numbers anywhere.
For a specific example, I will look at an agency I am quite familiar with, but cannot name. Said agency serves a large metropolitan city with an equal distribution of urban development and rural area, covering 836 square miles. In that 836 square mile area, the population as of 2010 was 618,962. That population is served by a law enforcement agency that has 2017 total number of sworn cops. Taking that total number of cops, let’s do some math: 618,962 / 2017 = 306.8 citizens per cop. Not bad, not NYPD, but not bad. But now lets break that down to the real numbers.
Of those 2017, many work in the jails (far more work in corrections than any other area), the courts, the airport, administrative jobs and other various details. The actual number of cops assigned to patrol duties, the people that respond to calls for service, is a whopping 291. Here comes that old arithmetic again: 618,962 / 291 = 2127 citizens per cop. That’s right, 2127 people for every street cop employed. Now, let’s dissect that even further. Those 291 street cops work 4 days a week, and are split up amongst 5 overlapping shifts. At any time of the day, at least 2 of those shifts are on the street. For mathematical simplicity, I am going to split the number of cops evenly amongst the shifts: 291 / 5 = 58.2 cops. Ok, now take that number and divide by 1.75 (since they work 4 out of 7 days a week): 58.2 / 1.75 = 33.25 cops. Mathematically speaking, at any time of the day, the entire population of this large area is being policed by 33.25 deputies. What does that number work out to now? 618,962 / 33.25 = 18,615 citizens per working street cop.
Let me say again, that is 18,615 people per every working street cop. I can only imagine if we were to examine the NYPD, at least two thirds of their sworn personnel are assigned to duties other than patrol and do not respond to calls for service. National average for citizen/cop ratios is somewhere near 1000 citizens to 1.5 cops, but please remember, those statistics are pure numbers or cops, not the ones working and responding to calls.
Make you feel all safe, warm and cozy inside? Still insist that the cops are better able to protect you and your family than you are?
Let’s look at response times, should you actually have the time to make that 911 call, and actually get the chance to speak to the call taker, and have enough time to explain what is happening to you. The only stats I could find are for the other local agency of similar size and makeup as the one I examined above. The difference is, they have a much smaller area of responsibility (99.2 square miles). Their average response time, from the time the 911 call is answered until a cop was at the scene, was 7 minutes for the highest priority calls. That does not sound like a long time, right? Want to know how long 7 minutes is? Sit in a chair and start a timer. Imagine yourself fighting for your life during that entire time, knowing that at the best, the cops might be there when that timer rings. Now imagine yourself having been armed with your choice of firearm. Statistically, most of the time they are used in self-defense, they are merely displayed scaring off the attacker. Imagine yourself in the other situation, and this person is so intent on attacking you, the sight of a gun does not dissuade them. Do you want that person having their way with you for 7 minutes while you wait for the cops to respond?
I cannot answer those questions for you; I can only tell you that I will always be armed to be better able to protect myself, my family, and anyone else who may need my protection. If you honestly believe that you are not capable or responsible enough to shoulder the burden of arming yourself, then I commend you for being honest, but I ask that you not project your personal decision onto others who are willing and able to do so. That other person may just be the one there to save your bacon one day when you need them.
The next time someone tells you that the cops are the only people that should have guns, feel free to give them an arithmetic lesson!
The new MBUS Pro. The all-steel back up sighting solution that delivers maximum functionality and strength with minimum bulk at a price that’s even smaller than its size. The dual aperture, windage adjustable rear and no-tool, elevation adjustable front excel in all 1913 Picatinny rail mounting applications, including rail-height gas blocks.
Positive detents keep the MBUS PRO front and rear at standard AR sight height when deployed, and so low when they are stowed that you’ll never notice them until they’re needed. Narrow width front is compatible with most IR aiming laser and light installations for the professional user.
All steel construction
Elevation adjustment knob – no tools required
Positive detents in both the up and down positions
.432” height above rail at tallest point when stowed
The new MBUS Pro. The all-steel back up sighting solution that delivers maximum functionality and strength with minimum bulk at a price that’s even smaller than its size. The dual aperture, windage adjustable rear and no-tool, elevation adjustable front excel in all 1913 Picatinny rail mounting applications, including rail-height gas blocks.
Positive detents keep the MBUS PRO front and rear at standard AR sight height when deployed, and so low when they are stowed that you’ll never notice them until they’re needed. Narrow width front is compatible with most IR aiming laser and light installations for the professional user.
All steel construction
Selectable large and small same-plane apertures
Positive detents in both the up and down positions
Smith & Wesson M&P15 Optics Ready Review (Text & Video)
I Chose the M&P15 Optics Ready simply for price point and quality, I purchased the weapon on 05/23/2013, post election price was $860, with the Nations Finest Rebate I’ll end up being into it for $760. I should add the purpose of this rifle is patrol/defense use, not a shelf filler what-so-ever.
Total Budget for this Build on a Budget: $1100 Total Spent on this Build: $1020 Anyway onto the build,
1) Replaced that disgusting factory grip with a Magpul MOE grip, night and day difference, for approximately $20 I have to recommend this upgrade.
2) The “Optics Ready” gave me quite a bit of trouble initially, deciding what the best back up iron sights were going to be without spending $200 on a set of Troy Defense sights that will be zeroed and then never used again (remember I’m on a public servants salary) Now, before I get flamed for the age old ”is your life worth a cheap set of sights?” let me remind you that good equipment does not make a good shooter. I chose the UTG flip up iron sights, they run about $40 for the pair, they are a great solid set of back up sights. They do not feature spring assisted opening, which contributes largely to the affordable price.
3) The next dilemma was the reflex scope. Once again, my budget for the entire build was approximately $1100 (Total came to about $1020) I debated investing a ton of money into an EO-Tech, or going a cheaper route, after many hours of research and reading reviews, I found the Sightmark Ultra Shot QD Sight for $90. The sight features a quick release clamp, 4 different reticles, 5 brightness settings, and cheap batteries ( must) My thought process behind this was finding an affordable red dot scope that was both effective and durable. Also, Sightmark features a 2 year warranty should anything happen to the sight making it a one of the best functioning looking and working sights at the price point.
4) the final thing that had to go is the ugly and out dated A2 style hand guard. These hand guards are useful for literally nothing, as well as failing to properly allow the barrel to cool. I replaced this with a picatinny rail which was complimented by a set of Magpul XTM Enhanced Rail Panels, forward grip to come in the future. I chose this over a Magpul hand guard as it allows 100% customization on the fly. That’s all for now, more pics to follow.
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Cardsharp 2 - Gear Review
This will be another Tactical Gear Review by Citizen Gunner of the Lain Sinclair Cardsharp 2 concealable knife.
First and foremost I must stress this is not a duty knife, this is not a rescue knife, this is not a rapid deployment knife.
I believe the purpose of this knife is more a “last ditch effort” to escape restraint or attack. For instance, I carry my cardsharp in my wallet (obviously) and timing myself in a perfectly calm situation to remove my wallet and deploy the knife takes approximately 11 seconds. Now, as I said, while this remains totally impractical for every day use, I believe for the price point of $11-$13 should it save myself or someone else just one time then it was worth it.
Manufacturers Details:
- ULTRA THIN - 2.2 mm thick (traditional Stanley utility knife body thickness is 25 mm)
- LIGHTWEIGHT - 13 grams
- SAFETY - Blade edge is protected when stored in wallet or kit bag. Protective hilt appears when open
- RAZOR SHARP - Surgical blade technology with long 65mm cutting edge ensures longer lasting sharpness
Conclusion: All in all, again for just over 10 bucks it’s a fun thing that you can add to your every day carry load out. I’m anticipating needing to use it for a legitimate purpose one time, and achieving this task will most likely render the knife useless from that point on.
Technical Specs: Right out of the box, the flashlight is lightweight and durable, it is made from aerospace aluminum with a foamed vinyl grip. One of my favorite features of this flashlight is the end cap pressure switch. It also features a 3-position rotating bezel which allows [Constant On] [Pressure On] [Locked Off] Per the manufacturers specifications, this flashlight features 265 lumen bulb and comes in either [rechargeable] or [AAA Batteries] version.
My Experience: I have carried this flashlight daily on my duty belt for approximately 6 months, I have only recharged the flashlight once in this time (granted I currently work during daylight hours) however, I have used the flashlight multiple times for searches and various other things during this time. Personally, I prefer to use the pressure switch rather then the always on mode as it allows you to have control over the light in a tactical shooting situation. There have been many reviews that state the ASP Triad Flashlight doesn’t work reliably, does not recharge, or dies. Personally, I have never had ANY of these issues, it is obviously a potential that the first release models had issues (after all, what doesn’t) but it would appear that ASP has fixed the issue now. Regardless, ASP also features a lifetime warranty on the majority of its products. I purchased the rechargeable model which features a USB Micro recharging port underneath the flashlight bezel (see pics) which can be charged via computer, outlet, or car attachment (both provided in the box).
The Holster: The ASP Triad is compatible with the designated rotating flashlight scabbard (almost identical to the ASP Baton Scabbard) However, this scabbard only rotates to 3 positions, rather then a full 360 degrees. This holder is awesome in retention and protection, pretty much does just what it is supposed to do.
The Conclusion: I would probably give this flashlight setup a 7.5/10 - Purely because of the battery life. If you are working overnights and require a flashlight for the majority of your shift. You may have to carry a backup or recharge this in your vehicle over your lunch break. Although I have not personally tested this flashlights constant on run time, ASP website states 1.5-2 Hours per charge. Other then that I have highly enjoyed this light system on my duty belt and will continue to use it.
Corrections Special Operations
Jun 15
[video]
Woolrich Correctional Transportation of High Risk Inmates
We’ve all heard the saying, “When seconds count, the cops are only minutes away”. Well sadly, it really is just that simple. Let me explain to you my lack of faith in their ability to save me when seconds count. My lack of faith is based on staffing numbers, crime statistics, and as Bill Clinton likes to say, “Arithmetic”.
Let me say again, that is 18,615 people per every working street cop. I can only imagine if we were to examine the NYPD, at least two thirds of their sworn personnel are assigned to duties other than patrol and do not respond to calls for service. National average for citizen/cop ratios is somewhere near 1000 citizens to 1.5 cops, but please remember, those statistics are pure numbers or cops, not the ones working and responding to calls.
