Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/272218
36 Law Enforcement Technology March 2014 www.officer.com LEADERSHIP E very chief, sheriff and departmental purchasing agent knows to keep his or her eye on old issues, plus new trends, at all times. Here's what's on my radar: 1. Ammo supply and even selection is a huge issue for most departments. If the ammo is available, ask yourself two additional questions: "How much can I purchase it for?" and "When will it be delivered?" For the most part, the good old days of ordering ammo from supplier have changed drastically. If you can order it, the question then becomes when, exactly, you can expect delivery. Practice ammo and sometimes even street ammo is scarce, and often avail- able only at budget crushing prices. A lot of departments are now calling up several suppliers to seek both accept- able prices and availability. If you find a trove of ammo at a respectable price, you might consider stocking up when the budget allows. As one gun supplier told me, he has received orders from law enforcement well in advance of tradi- tional ordering cycles. 2. Firearms supply and tactical accessories— just like ammunition— are seeing the strains of a demanding market. Backorders and waiting lists are today's new normal. In 2013 my depart- ment upgraded our issued firearms. This year we purchased Glock Gen 4 Model 21s and the wait was nearly excruciat- ing, but they did make it in. The days of calling up and ordering firearms has changed, too. My big suggestion is do not plan any transition or familiarization training on the training calendar until all of the goods have been delivered. 3. All-wheel drive cruisers and pursuit rated 4-wheel drive are com- ing to police fleets. All I can say is that it's about time! I am not going to get into rear-wheel drive verses front-wheel drive for police. I am not a motor head, and both versions have their pros and cons. However for those of us in the areas where winter brings snow, the concept of all-wheel drive fascinates me as a plausible alternative for dealing with winter's unpleasant moments in driving. I started my career in the Southeast where snow was seen only on televi- sion. Now, after having spent a decade plus in the Northeast, it is a fact of life. Most every agency has several sport utility vehicles for special operations, supervisors and the like. Since most are four-wheel drive they were not pursuit rated, therefore limiting their full usage New purchases will vary from small departments to larger ones, plus urban and rural filters need be applied By William L. Harvey industry trends to watch 4 LET_36-37_IndustryTrends0314.indd 36 2/24/14 10:44 AM