From Drone Stops to Staying Sharp: This Week’s Tactical Must-Knows

🎯 Today’s Scenario

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• This Week's Scenario:

  You're on patrol when you receive a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert about a vehicle suspected of operating a drone over private property without permission. A security officer from the property reported the activity. You locate a vehicle matching the description, stop it, and ask the driver about the drone. The occupants of the vehicle refuse to give ID and begin to complain about being detained due to their assertion that they did not commit a crime.

  Be sure to refer to the legal update section after you answer, because this is a weird one!

  Was this traffic stop and subsequent detention legal?

  Yes No

  Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

  
  

Analysis in our legal update section below...

🗓️ WHAT TO EXPECT

• 🔑 Critical Lessons: Learn from a tragic foot pursuit and a rookie blooper—because going home safe matters most.

• 💧 Stay Sharp: Hydration isn’t optional—find out why electrolytes are your secret weapon for focus and endurance.

• 🏛 Can You Stop That Car?: A drone, a BOLO, and a $25K settlement—what Enoch v. Ebmeyer means for you.

• 🎓 Stay Cool Under Pressure: First Amendment Auditors are watching—learn how to handle them like a pro.

• 💔 Honor Our Heroes: Remember this week’s fallen officers and their sacrifices.

• 🎄 Perfect Gift Alert: Keep your gear—and your shifts—organized with the ID Guardian.

🔑 Todays Essentials
 Foot Pursuits

Officer Cooper Dawson: A Tragic Reminder
Officer Cooper Dawson of the Greenville Police Department tragically lost his life during a foot pursuit, emphasizing the risks inherent in our work. This heartbreaking incident serves as a powerful reminder to remain vigilant and deliberate in high-stress situations. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and community.

⚠️ A Critical Insight for Officers: Pause before you pursue
Foot pursuits are among the most dangerous and unpredictable situations we face. Officer Dawson's loss highlights the importance of thinking before reacting. In the heat of the moment, adrenaline can cloud our judgment, but taking a split second to evaluate the situation can save lives—yours and others.

😂 My Rookie Blooper Moment
When I was a rookie, I stopped a vehicle with four occupants with a guy I went to the academy with. There was a strong odor of marijuana inside the vehicle (back when that was illegal). My partner, who was on the chubbier side, asked one of the passengers to step out. The guy took one look at my partner and bolted.

My partner ran after him, and my dumb self followed. Spoiler: we didn’t catch him. When we got back, everyone in the car had taken off—except the driver. 😂 My LT, the best one ever, walked up, shook his head, chuckled, and said, “So, what did we learn here?”

I’ll be sharing a clip of my partner rolling down a hill during this pursuit in our Facebook group. Hop in to see the video and share your own foot pursuit bloopers. Let’s learn and laugh together!

📩 We Want to Hear From You!
Reply to this email and share your crazy foot pursuit experience with us—or, if you have no shame, join our Facebook group and share it with the community!

🎄 Perfect Gift for the Holidays!
🚔 ID Guardian: Secure, Organized, Ready

This holiday season, give yourself—and your workmates—the gift of efficiency. The ID Guardian is the perfect tool to keep licenses secure and within reach during every shift.

🎁 Great for You, a Partner, or the Whole Shift:

• Universal Fit: Works in every patrol car to keep licenses organized.

• Built for Duty: Tough, professional-grade construction that stands up to daily wear and tear.

• Stay Focused: No more fumbling for IDs—stay sharp and on task.

Whether it’s a gift for yourself, your partner, or the entire team, the ID Guardian is a simple way to make shifts smoother for everyone.

Make your shift smoother and your workflow more efficient. Get your ID Guardian today and see the difference!

👉 Order Now for the Holidays!

Make this season practical, efficient, and hassle-free! 🎅🎁

 🧑🏼‍⚕️ Officer Wellness Tip of The Week
💧 Hydration: Your Most Critical Tactical Advantage

Even mild dehydration—losing as little as 2% of your body weight in fluids—can impair cognitive functions such as short-term memory, attention, and numerical ability. For officers enduring long shifts in full gear, maintaining optimal hydration is essential for safety and performance.

🔋 Why Electrolytes Matter

During prolonged physical activity, especially in hot and humid conditions, your body loses not only water but also essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium through sweat.

Replenishing these electrolytes is crucial to:

• Stay Mentally Sharp: Prevent declines in attention and processing speed.

• Prevent Muscle Cramps: Maintain proper muscle function during extended duty.

• Sustain Energy Levels: Avoid fatigue and sustain endurance.

• Enhance Recovery: Facilitate quicker recovery after physical exertion.

⚡ Officer-tested, Mission-Approved

I learned the importance of proper hydration during a grueling summer shift in full tactical gear. Now, electrolyte packets are as essential in my duty bag as spare magazines.

🔥 Recommended: 50Cal Labz Electrolyte Mix

Developed by an active law enforcement officer, 50Cal Labz products are tailored to our unique demands. Their electrolyte mix effectively replenishes vital minerals and comes in great-tasting flavors like Blue Raspberry—my go-to during night shifts.

🚔 Support a Brother in Blue

Use promo code “Welcometothestreet” for 15% off your order. Fuel your body while supporting a company that understands our mission.

👉 Check out 50Cal Labz here

💡 Pro Tip:

Mix a packet with cold water about 30 minutes before your shift. Your body—and your partners—will appreciate you staying hydrated and mission-ready.

 🏛 Legal update
Can You Legally Stop a Vehicle Based on a Drone Complaint?

The Case

Enoch v. Ebmeyer started with a buzz—literally. In November 2016, Janet E. Enoch, Steve O. Hindi, and Michael Kobliska flew a drone over private property owned by Marshall Farms. Security at Marshall Farms reported the drone activity and law enforcement issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) for the associated vehicle.

Trooper Jerrod Trulin spotted a van matching the description, stopped it, and questioned the occupants. The plaintiffs claimed this stop violated their constitutional rights

The Court’s Ruling

The court had one big question: Did law enforcement have reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle?
Here’s what tipped the scales in favor of the officers:

• A BOLO alert tied the vehicle to suspicious drone activity.

• Drone operations over private property raised valid public safety concerns.

Verdict? The court found the stop lawful. The officers acted within their authority to investigate potential violations.

But Wait—What About the Settlement?

Here’s the twist: Despite the court ruling in favor of law enforcement, both the officers and Marshall Farms paid a $25,000 settlement each. Why? Likely to resolve other claims, such as emotional distress or procedural missteps. Civil cases can be messy, and settlements don’t always mean wrongdoing—they’re often about closing the chapter.

📖 Know the Law: Drones and You

Drones aren’t just flying gadgets—they’re potential law enforcement headaches. Your authority extends to investigating unauthorized or unsafe operations, but knowing the rules is key. Here’s the deal:

1. Federal Oversight (FAA): The FAA regulates airspace, and law enforcement may need to coordinate with them for certain violations.

2. State Laws: Some states have laws specific to drones. For example, Pennsylvania’s Title 18, Section 3505 makes it illegal to use drones to:

   • Spy on someone in a private place.

   • Threaten someone or make them fear injury.

   • Deliver contraband.

Staying sharp on local and federal rules ensures your stops hold up in court.

🎯 Scenario Breakdown

Was the stop legal?
✅ Answer: Yes, but with context.

• Legal? Yes, officers had reasonable suspicion based on the BOLO and drone activity over private property.

• Settlement? Both law enforcement and Marshall Farms paid $25,000 each, highlighting the complex nature of legal rulings and civil settlements.

Takeaway for Officers:
Even when you act within your authority, civil cases can lead to settlements. Know the law, document everything, and protect yourself.

🎓 December Webinar
Handling First Amendment Auditors Like a Pro

🗓️ Date: TBA | Time:
📍 Hosted Online

👀 Webinar Overview
Ever been confronted by a First Amendment Auditor? These individuals intentionally push the boundaries of their rights, camera in hand, aiming to provoke a response and go viral on social media.

This webinar equips officers with the tools to handle these encounters professionally and confidently. Learn from experts about the laws that apply, best practices to stay within legal boundaries, and how to ensure you don’t end up the next viral “gotcha” moment.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• The dos and don’ts of dealing with First Amendment Auditors.

• Key legal insights to protect yourself and your agency.

• Real-world strategies to de-escalate and maintain control of the situation.

💻 Don’t Miss Out
Seats are limited, and this is a must-attend for every officer who wants to be prepared for these challenging interactions. Reserve your spot today!

👉 Register Here

Let’s learn together to handle First Amendment Auditors with professionalism and poise.

 OFFICER DOWN: THIS WEEK’S FALLEN HEROES
 Weekly LODDS: 4
Total for the year: 128