On Routine Patrol
Cop war stories from around the nation
The simplest solutions are the best I was a pretty active narc, and easily closed the most cases in my unit. My buddy Sean had just made Property Crimes sergeant, and he wanted […] Read More
July 2021
Cop Hobbies (gin)
I’m the contributing editor here at APB, and I can’t believe I’m doing this … I’m publishing my secret gin recipe. The reason? Although this Cop Hobbies column has been a hit with […] Read More
You are the police department
Across the nation, law enforcement officers are being challenged. Use of force is a national hot button, along with perceptions of systemic racism and civil protest. Local, state and federal lawmakers are tackling […] Read More
Patch pride
Matthew Vandenacre, a young man from Montana, has spent the last five years collecting patches from law enforcement agencies across the country. Having family and friends in the field, Vandenacre loves all things […] Read More
Behind the scenes at Chicago P.D.
How the TV show works to make its portrayal of police feel more authentic
When the NBC procedural Chicago P.D. first contacted American Police Beat to request some copies of our publication to use as set dressing, we were both flattered and intrigued. A TV series so […] Read More
Superheroes, symbols and the real world
Hero flicks give us stability. They make us feel like there are still simple truths out there. There’s something so clear and uncomplicated about this modern mythology. Good guys win and bad guys […] Read More
What is a tactical mindset?
When it comes to cops, everyone knows that if they want to sell us something, all they have to do is paint it black and call it tactical. We cannot get enough of […] Read More
See something, say something
After 9/11, the slogan “See something, say something” was plastered all over the airport. The idea behind this messaging was that we were all responsible for making sure everyone was safe and that […] Read More
The silent sufferers
Vicarious stressors endured by LEO families
Spouses It was June 2, 2020, and I was two hours from the end of my shift. That’s when a supervisor informed me I was being forced to assist with a protest at […] Read More
Call your shots: Using a “true” thumbs-forward grip
Many officers do not believe that they can actually “call their shots” or fix shooting errors “on the fly.” That is why this technique is usually an eye-opener for officers during pistol training […] Read More
Don’t worry, be happy!
Thinking tactics that will keep you healthy
If you take the time to pay attention to your thoughts in different situations, chances are that you’ll notice a pattern. Some focus on the negative qualities of situations or people, while others […] Read More
The power of teamwork
Exploring the advantages of training by committee
Conducting in-service training is the single most difficult task for any instructor. Not only will they be judged on the class material and presentation like any other instructor, but they must face the […] Read More
Police training needs work
Fix it with these brain-based tips
The calls for more law enforcement training seem to be increasing: more de-escalation training, more implicit bias training, more less-than-lethal training. Those calls are answered with more annual training requirements, like Missouri’s recent […] Read More
How to clinch sources and solve cases
Connecting with the community is key
In 1995, fresh out of a big-city police academy in the Washington, D.C., suburbs, my focus was on arresting bad guys to make my community a better place to live. I had been […] Read More
Stay awake and alert on the job
Research-backed strategies to help fight fatigue
What is the craziest thing you ever did to stay awake? “Drank multiple Red Bulls and did a push-up contest in the middle of the night with the graveyard crew, usually at 0330–0430 […] Read More
The worst rank in law enforcement
… and what should be done about it
It’s the least effective and most unrewarding rank. All the ranks above it and all the ranks below it not only succeed at their missions, but their members feel useful, valued and part […] Read More
