Odds and Ends
Officer Dave Crawford has been a great friend to me over the years. He has also been very supportive of the mystery writing community. He’s my go-to guy when I’m stumped for an answer to your questions. Dave also provides many of the wonderful photos you’ve enjoyed on The Graveyard Shift, and in my book. Thanks for all you’ve done for us, Dave.
Now, here’s a few cop odds and ends to get us through the day.
Duty belt baton holder
Paddle lock holster. The black paddle slips inside the pants to secure the holster to the plainclothes officer’s side. A regular dress belt is not needed.
One of the many flashlight styles carried by officers. I’ve noticed that a few writers have begun to write “the officer flipped the switch on her flashlight,” Flashlights, such as the one above, do not have switches that can be “flipped.” They’re all pushbutton switches.
The FRISKER PRO is a hand held metal detector that’s great for locating hidden weapons (inside pants, under shirts, etc.).
Tactical vest. Seems to be a favorite of many of the US Marshals I’ve known over the years. Hmm… And author Bill Cameron, too. I wonder if he’s actually a Fed working undercover?
Bicycle light bar and siren. The device also serves as headlamps. Red or blue flip-down lenses are optional.
The Bulletin Board
– Looking for a new web host for your old site, or someone to build a website from the ground up? The Graveyard Shift and www.leelofland.com were designed and built by Just Write Sites. Stop by and say hi. They’re good people with great prices and service.
– Attention mystery writers – The New England Crime Bake is only a little over two weeks away. This year’s guest of honor is Harlen Coben. I’ll be there, too, participating in The Big Lie.
At the banquet, New York Times best-selling author Harlan Coben, award-winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan, and a host of New England’s stellar crime writers share their dirty secrets. But can you spot the lies? In among the shameful revelations, each writer will sneak in a handful of brazen lies. Please do stop by and see if you catch me in a lie. I’ll bet you can’t.
– Author Kate Flora and I will be at the Springfield, Vermont town library tonight to conduct a televised presentation for local writers and mystery enthusiasts.
– The Associated Press: ANAHEIM, Calif. — In a case of mistaken identity, a newlywed was shot and killed by police after he stepped outside his home to confront suspected burglars.
– New York – Police are accused of brutally assaulting a tattoo employee during a struggle. The complainant stated that officers used a portable radio antenna to sodomize him as the officers were arresting him for narcotics possession. There are discrepancies in the reports.
