Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/206367
E DI T OR ' S L O G Can you afford technology that saves lives? L ast week I attended the International Chiefs of Police Conference (IACP) in Philadelphia. It was encouraging to see some truly cutting-edge exhibits and displays, brought to law enforcement agencies from all over the world by companies who make products because they truly care about the end user. In fact, a lot of these new products coming out, from analytics software to flashlights to ammunition, are from folks who currently are or used to be sheriff 's deputies or police officers themselves. Shows like IACP also give us a chance to see what's coming down the line to public safety directly from the military men and women overseas. These people are passionate about what they do and they truly want to bring the very best products to market. It's not all about turning a profit to these folks; you can't say that for many industries. I had a lot of good conversations there. At one point I was chatting with a body armor manufacturer. This gentleman had mentioned to me that despite all the recent changing technology and adaptations to vests and ballistic panels, it was his understanding that a lot of agencies and personnel are still slow to regularly change-out vests or wear something above a Level II. This thought gave me a moment's pause. After all, I had just been a couple aisles down where I saw the fragmenting ammo, not to mention some serious automatic weaponry. Unfortunately this stuff isn't sole propriety of "the good guys." A good offense goes hand-in-hand with a good defense, and as he pointed out it only takes one bullet, one time. There are more options available now than ever in lightweight, comfortable body armor for men and women, some that protect against the most aggressive threats and weigh significantly less that earlier versions. How about your agency? Where does body armor rank in your list of "vital duty gear"? Is it a struggle to stay up-to-date, or get everyone one the same page? As the adage goes, "Safety first." ■ CYGNUS LAW MEDIA Editorial Director Frank Borelli Editors Sara Schreiber Jonathan Kozlowski Contributing Editors Lindsey Bertomen Carole Moore Senior Art Director — Public Safety & Security 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 Sara Schreiber Editor For questions, news tips and comments, e-mail editor@letonline.com. 6 Law Enforcement Technology November 2013 www.officer.com