New LAPD flashlights are too small to be used as weapons (Disarm Police /Empower Criminals update)

KESQ-3 TV / AP ^ | March 31, 2007

[Stoat]

New LAPD flashlights are too small to be used as weapons

LOS ANGELES The L-A-P-D has decided that smaller is better when it comes to flashlights.Police Chief William Bratton is scheduled to unveil new flashlights today that are brighter than the ones they use now, but too small to be used as a weapon.

 The idea for the new ten-inch torch was conceived just days after news cameras broadcast images of L-A-P-D officers beating a car-theft suspect with a two-pound, two-foot long standard issue flashlight.

 Bratton banned the large flashlights after the 2004 beating and called for manufacturers to create a smaller, brighter flashlight.

 A-C-L-U Southern California director Ramona Ripston praised the L-A-P-D for the equipment change.

 She says it's an "important step in the right direction."

[mewzilla]

You can do fine with a light like this in one hand and a baton in the other. Take away someone's sight and they are toast.

Except they'll probably move on to those next, issue NERF batons instead.

[M203M4]

(couldn't resist)

FMCDH (LITS)

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

So don't these cops carry batons?

Whats the difference in getting your ass beat with a baton or a flashlight?

[cyclotic]

Maglite: Tested and Approved by the Detroit Police Department.

[Leisler]

These are nice. You never know when you have to climb an ice fall, and, all three ends are hurtful.

[Leisler]

I think for illumination the Detroit PD are down to branch limbs topped with rags soaked in the axle grease of abandoned cars.

[Deathmonger]

Do they at least come with bayonnet attachments?

[Stoat]

Jeez, they should just get Maglites. The big, hefty ones.

Agreed, but then the criminals would be at a disadvantage and the ACLU would not be pleased....we can't be having that now, can we?

Furthermore, this business of the police carrying guns is so very outdated....instead of that, all squad cars should carry a psychologist in the back seat so that a crimina....excuse me, an 'honored human being' might have any upsetting emotional concerns addressed.

"sigh"

It's precisely this sort of garbage that kept me from going into law enforcement as a career.  It's rampant and places our officers as well as law-abiding citizens at risk.  Furthermore, policies embraced in LA and California are often adopted elsewhere, so this may well be the beginning of a larger trend.

BTW, anyone wishing to change their current Maglights into LED versions can do so with these accessories:

Product Line Mag Instrument, Inc. - Manufacturer of the Maglite® Flashlight

[Moonman62]

Working for the LAPD must be the only job worse than working for the border patrol.

[SoldierMedic]

Holy Foley Catheter! I gotta get me one of those! That thing is ten times better than my giant flashlight.

[Stoat]

Working for the LAPD must be the only job worse than working for the border patrol.

Considering that both involve having your hands tied behind your back while the most dangerous people on Earth shoot at you, and when you do risk your life to take a perp into custody, they are most likely out on the street again before you even finish your paperwork, yes, you're probably right.

Sorry if I sound bitter   :-(

[Fresh Wind]

$200.00??? You gotta be kidding me...

No problem. Just one more traffic ticket per month per cop will pay for it.

[LanPB01]

I've heard good things about SureFire's Executive flashlight series.

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/max_segment_listing/disp/strfnbr/6/sesent/00

[j_tull]

Wow, thanks for the link. Replacing heads on 4 quad D-cell units immediately.

[Stoat]

I've heard good things about SureFire's Executive flashlight series.

I have too, but I haven't had the chance to try one yet.  Thanks for the reminder!  (putting on list for stoat Christmas Stocking)

[Stoat]

Wow, thanks for the link. Replacing heads on 4 quad D-cell units immediately.

You're quite welcome!   I made the mistake of trying one of the 'generic' LED upgrade kits sold at a hardware store and it turned out to be of poor quality and I couldn't even get it to work at all. I will be getting these quality Mag Instrument modules instead also.

[NonValueAdded]

And they'll wonder why officer-involved shootings rise.

[Stoat]

And they'll wonder why officer-involved shootings rise.

Yes, and the solution will be a further disarmament of the Thin Blue Line.

Soon, things like +P+ ammo will be banned, and next will be hollowpoints and then Glazer / Cor-Bon defensive ammo because "it's inhumane".

It would be so nice to see ONE Chief of Police who institutes policy decisions based upon the real-world needs of the officers and the protection of the law-abiding public, and not the caterwauling of the ACLU and the pro-criminal activists.

[Nathan Zachary]

$199 for a $5 mini-mag light. Figures. Now, if it had a flashing siren light on the other end....

LA lefties deserve what they elect, that's all I can say. It should be law that they have to stay in that state however, never be allowed to leave and screw up another.

[ansel12]

"$200.00???
You gotta be kidding me..."

So I guess spending $4800.00 for a flashlight is out of the question? Don't know how much tax and shipping is.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/subemopoflev.html