by Jack Lee

Police Officer Ken Lee was the first in his department to qualify for the newly implemented combat arms training in an urban environment. He will now be carrying a selective fire, modified M-16 combat rifle, in addition to his duty pistol and pepper spray. On board in his police cruiser is a 12 gauge short barrel riot type shotgun, more non-lethal chemical canisters and the latest long range, multi-shot Taser pistol. This arsenal gives police officers a variety of options to critical situations. This is absolutely needed for their protection and to safeguard the public's safety.

The use of non-lethal weapons has been growing in popularity and has had much success. Officer Lee stated he was recently able to "Taser" a knife wielding subject and end the standoff. A few decades ago this situation would have been limited to the use of lethal force, he added.

Ford Porter of the Chico Police Dept., advises their department also uses a variant of the M16 called the AR-15, which is a semi-automatice carbine in .223 cal. All officers carrying the AR-15 are required to qualify with them periodically.

Summary: Officer Lee has also been trained in hostage rescue. The team members are prepared to be first responders to a major criminal event that could be anything from a terrorist act to a deranged shooter. In fact he's already put that training to good use a few months ago when he interrupted a hostage taking event at an elementary school where an enraged person was holding a classroom hostage. That one ended peacefully and the offender was convicted on numerous felony counts, including the resisting arrest, use a weapon and attempted kidnapping. Officer Lee received a commendation. Lee, a veteran patrol officer, is formerly from Chico, now working in Stockton and has served on the CHP "10851" Task Force to recover stolen vehicles and has received several CHP commendations for his work in arresting vehicle thieves and recovering a large number of stolen cars. He is soon headed for more training at the CHP Academy in Sacramento for advanced Criminal Investigation as well as FTO school.