Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/149261
E DI T OR ' S L O G Four articles on training E at right and exercise. That's a pretty common nugget of advice for anyone seeking wellness. But exercise is a personal thing, which leaves lots of room for interpretation. You have to do what's right for you. Back when I was a bonafide "gym member" I found myself basically going through the motions on a treadmill while gazing longingly out the window at the people who were physically outside. I decided I'd rather be out there than in here. It became clear my body had a hard time getting into any sort of routine because my mind wasn't fully engaged. If I am to walk or run or jog or paddle effectively, I need to change things up and experience the sights, sounds and smells around me. In short, I need to forget I am exercising. Training to improve a skill set on the job is similar. There's a lot of stuff out there—and a lot of ways to train—but it's probably most beneficial to personalize it as much as you can while keeping an end goal in mind. Law enforcement training can be particularly immersive. When we toured the brand-new iCOMBAT advanced laser tag facility back in June (page 16) it was kind of like a big-kid playground. There were all sorts of niches carved out depicting the streets of Baghdad. Actor "suspects" lurked around, and players armed with replicas of the AR15/M16/ M4 rifle had to seek them out. The place was built for entertaining, but Sara Schreiber Editor For questions, news tips and comments, e-mail editor@letonline.com. 6 Law Enforcement Technology wired for serious learning too. It's not your typical laser tag venue with black lights and bad weaponry; it's a realistic place to test tactics. Another good way to learn something is by simply talking about it. Retired ATF Agent Charlie Fuller found that to be true when he wanted to develop a more thorough and useful practice for training undercover officers (page 20). Fuller found there can be a lot of grey areas in this branch of policing and he wanted to get more ideas and best practices on the table. How realistic can you safely get? And how has the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts changed the game? Keith Strandberg analyzes the current role of defensive tactics in police training (page 26). Don't miss the companion how-to video series on Officer.com where Editor Frank Borelli tangles with defensive tactics instructor Richard Nance. They cover things like kick defense, bludgeon defense and weapon take-aways. Finally, Lindsey Bertomen takes readers "in the hole" for specifics on close-quarters shooting drills you can try with minimal gear in Firearms Tactics (page 38). You may not have time to vet a bunch of training tactics and new techniques. That's why we've brought the training to you. Some you might already be doing. Some might inspire you. What does your agency consider its "tried and true" training MO? Send us a note to editor@letonline.com and check out Borelli's blog on the results of a defensive tactics training poll at Officer.com. In the meantime, keep on training… and train to win. ■ August 2013 www.officer.com CYGNUS LAW MEDIA Editorial Director Frank Borelli Editors Sara Schreiber Jonathan Kozlowski Contributing Editors Lindsey Bertomen Carole Moore Art Director Bobbi Burow Media Production Representative Connie Heffron Audience Development Manager Sharon Haberkorn For subscription information or change of address please call (877) 382-9187 or (847) 559-7598, fax (800) 543-5055 or e-mail circ.LETmag@omeda.com. Integrated Media Consultants Scott Bieda, Executive Vice President of Public Safety & Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 2725 Michael George, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1143 Nick Palasini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1676 Kelly Bisco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1360 Lindsey Gajewski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1354 Nikki Becker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1317 Classified Ad Sales (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1326 Classified Ad Fax: (920) 328-9003 List Rental Elizabeth Jackson, Merit Direct LLC (847) 492-1350 Ext. 18, Fax: (847) 492-0085 E-mail: ejackson@meritdirect.com Web site: meritdirect.com/cygnus Reprint Services To purchase article reprints please contact Nick Iademarco at Wright's Media at (877) 652-5295 Ext. 102 or e-mail niademarco@wrightsmedia.com. Cygnus Business Media 1233 Janesville Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Phone: (800) 547-7377 Editorial e-mail: editor@letonline.com Fax: (920) 563-1702 Web site: www.officer.com Cygnus Business Media John French, Chief Executive Officer Paul Bonaiuto, Chief Financial Officer Ed Wood, Vice President of Human Resources Julie Nachtigal, Vice President of Audience Development Eric Kammerzelt, Vice President of Technology Curt Pordes, Vice President of Production Operations Ed Nichols, VP of Events