View Full Version : USCS and Non-Lethals....
Blacksheep
12-05-2002, 18:44
Can someone please explain to me why it is that USCS Inspectors
are currently not trained or issued non-lethal/self-defense weapons... ie OC or ASP batons? As a newly hired Inspector it doesn't make any sense to me to be issued a firearm and not some other non-lethal means of defense. Not to mention the liability of even drawing your firearm. I do realize that the likelihood of even drawing might be pretty slim but, it still doesn't add up to me?
I was doing reading before I got hired and the old FLETC course description stated something about OC in Customs Inspector Basic. I'm working a seaport with CET and with the possibility of going round the clock I want to be prepared for anything. Anyone with any insight on this would be appreciated.
Blacksheep
Hey buddy, got on the CET team huh.....nice! It doesn't make sense to me either, at least asp training would be expected. FLETC 1 month man, im psyched and I bet you are too. Get in touch before then and we will all grab some beers wehn down there.
We carry OC spray at my port (land border). Firearms told us they have our ASP and are just waiting on the final OK to start our training.
Blacksheep
12-07-2002, 13:41
Hopefully they do it SOON so we get trained at Basic next month
Thanks for the info guys, if anyone else out there has any input it would be appreciated.
concord160
12-08-2002, 08:03
OI in Miami just began to get OC, with talk that the ASP's will be along soon.
As far as OFO, I know of guys that are on the Outbound CET that have OC, so it must be going around. Haven't heard about ASP's yet.
I agree that CI's should definetly have OC and ASP's. You're right, doesn't leave much room between soft-hands defensive to lethal use of force. USCS is putting itself in a liability position, by not providing "less-than-lethal" alternatives.
Just to add to the fire....a rumor is that USCS will be switching to .40's.
Another rumor is that soon to graduate classes (both OI & OFO) will be recieving new "Homeland Security" badges.
Bow-n-Arrow
12-08-2002, 19:17
Originally posted by JAMMERS
We carry OC spray at my port (land border). Firearms told us they have our ASP and are just waiting on the final OK to start our training.
Ditto for my port. I was unaware that everyone did not have these tools.
Bowcop,
I'd be interested in hearing if you guys do get expandables out there...please keep me posted.
But yes, I think all land border ports have OC at least. Not so sure about air/seaports though.
Originally posted by bowcop
Ditto for my port. I was unaware that everyone did not have these tools.
Bow-n-Arrow
12-09-2002, 01:38
The shotguns we had, the PD said to send them back. So we never got to that stage. The ASP's are coming, so they say...................
RutgersGrad
12-09-2002, 10:58
What's a CET Team?
edit:
Nevermind, I did a search and got the information I needed...
Contraband Enforcement Team
You folks are old enough and professional enough to make the decision for yourself, but I'd be wary of sharing some of the information that has been posted in this thread. Talking about non-lethal weapons is one thing, but there is a fine line sometimes between what information we should be posting and what the bad guys really do not need to know about when it comes to officer safety. Just my two cents.
Bow-n-Arrow
12-09-2002, 21:43
nsedet,
Good point.
Blacksheep
12-11-2002, 19:05
Thanks for the info folks. I guess things will be in constant change for the time being. I came on board at an "interesting" time.
No offense but, I have seen alot of other info out there that is worse than this, just my .02! Will conclude here. If anyone else has any input please feel free to PM me so not to offend.
Blacksheep
Originally posted by Blacksheep
No offense but, I have seen alot of other info out there that is worse than this, just my .02!
I assume you are referring to my post...if so, consider this: if you work at a POE that does not have shotguns, or other equipment beyond what is on your belt, would you want anyone knowing that fact? With no effort, I can now name at least one specific POE that does not have shotguns. If I was so inclined to go through the past histories of some of the folks here, perhaps I could name other specific Ports, rather than just general locations.
If you'd like to discuss the operational security and anti-terrorism ramifications of disclosing this type of information, we can do that.
NSEDET is right on the money....One should NEVER discuss or disclose on an open forum their Ports or agencies info., equipment, shift tours, capabilities, or anything else that could be utilized by criminals or terrorists to their advantage....C'mon people "think-do".
Think about it, how would you feel if an officer was killed directly or indirectly because of sensitive information that you disclosed on a public forum....Let's be safe and God bless..:)
Okay, good point. I have edited my post to remove any references to equipment that wouldn't be obvious from looking at my belt. Sorry.
Blacksheep
12-13-2002, 18:29
I understand your point and agree, I tried to use general terms to make my point.However, my question was geared to a specific
area of concern.
I have seen information posted on this board in the past with VERY specific information. That was my only other point. Of course we all want to be safe and go home to our families every night and we all want to keep our country safe!
Be SAFE and HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL !
Blacksheep
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