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An Important Announcement from ITS Tactical

by Bryan Black on March 29, 2010

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The purpose of this announcement today is to clear the air on not only what we stand for, but what ITS Tactical was created for.

We’d like to ask that you please take a few minutes and watch the following video first before continuing…

As the video mentions, we’ve been accused in the past of creating videos and content so that people can evade Law Enforcement. Our primary purpose behind these videos is to ensure people are not illegally detained by amateurs and Law Enforcement Officers are not using inferior products.

Our Escaping Zip Tie videos, which you can review here again, not only shows the different methods of restraint, but notes the hand positions where people are most likely to escape from.

We firmly believe that plastic zip ties have NO business being used in a potentially dangerous situation where lives are on the line. Use handcuffs, in fact, for dangerous situations use two pairs. Why? because that antiquated crap design for handcuff locks you’re using is left over from 1862! Please don’t trust your life to this either, as we showed here that these can be defeated with a simple bobby pin (single and double lock).

So we’re stating the obvious, right? Every Officer Safety Bulletin across the country already talks about how to get out of these, and how unsafe they are. Great, so we can organize a Space Flight to Mars, but can’t invent a pair of handcuffs that are unpickable? Have you seen what a handcuff key looks like?

Jersey Cuffs

2ndGen1.JPGAs I mentioned in the video, I went to SHOT Show this year where I met up with the owner of Jersey Tactical, who manufacturers Jersey Cuffs. This is a description from their Web site:

“Almost every flexible restraint on the market is currently being defeated by criminals. They are being “slipped”, broken or picked. The Jersey cuff was designed to prevent most of these issues!”

2ndGen6.JPGJersey Tactical had been in contact with us about a month prior to the SHOT Show inquiring about sending us some for T&E. We’d agreed to meet up at the show so they could pass us some product. At the show, the owner gave me a personal demo of the second generation cuffs by placing them on me with my hands in front of my body, wrists together. These are the new model that features the small metal bar that acts as a “double lock.”

He then challenged me to try and get out of them. Now mind you this is in front of a crowd of people in the path of SHOT Show traffic, which if you know the show, it’s busy! I then asked him twice if he was sure he wanted me to do that right in public like this, and answered with a resounding, yes. I raised my arms above my head, just like the in the first video we show. SNAP! the product immediately broke apart at what we feel is the weakest link of restraints like these, (the locking mechanism) and fell to the floor.

NTOA Approved

ntoa-logoSo let me say this, if you’re a Law Enforcement Officer and you’re reading this you should be concerned that Jersey Cuffs are now being marketed as “NTOA Member Tested and Approved.” From what we can tell these are only available to Law Enforcement and Military.

In this video on YouTube, which the company had as a promotional video on their site before the SHOT Show, shows the common misconception that everyone is a complete moron when it comes to plastic restraints. I know I had a good laugh at this video, its ridiculous.

To Jersey Tactical’s credit, after the demonstration that I broke, the owner asked if I’d come out into the hallway away from the crowd and try breaking out of them behind my back. He affixed a new pair and I attempted it twice with no success. I feel that these have the potential of being defeated behind the back as well, even though I was unsuccessful at my attempt. In our videos another member of ITS is demonstrating the behind the back method because the truth of it is I suck at that technique. I haven’t perfected it yet, so we went with him in the video.

Jersey Tactical has this disclaimer in small type at the bottom of their site:

“Warning: Wrist and Ankle restraints are considered temporary restraining devices. This also applies to the Jersey Cuff. Restrained subjects must be under constant supervision for both officer safety and the safety of the subject. The subjects wrists are to be secured behind his or her back when using the Jersey Cuff. If applicable use more then one Jersey Cuff in order to secure the subject due to an injury or physical deformity.”

Negative Reviews

We don’t normally waste your time reviewing any inferior products on ITS Tactical, but in this circumstance using Zip-Tie like products could potentially get someone killed.

If your department is staking their lives on disposable zip-tie like restraints, you should implore them to think twice.

If you’re a sleaze bag down on the border of Mexico attempting to take people hostage, please use these, because some day you’ll restrain someone like me who will get out and break your neck.

Are all Law Enforcement grade disposable restraints bad? I don’t know, we haven’t tested all of them, but the one being marketed as superior doesn’t work. If you think there’s a product we can’t get out of, send them to us and let people who truly don’t have a motive other than saving lives test them. When we actually find some that can protect the Law Enforcement Community, we’ll endorse them.

Imminent Threat Solutions

ITSheaderLogoWe put our Zip Tie videos and content out so that people who are accosted, or become the victims of a home invasion, have the ability to fight back. Also, so that Law Enforcement Officers know about inferior products and don’t trust their lives to them.

We’re a lot like hackers in the 80s, who pointed out the holes in operating systems not so someone could steal money from a bank, but so the operating system’s manufacturer could make it better.

Today, we’re drawing a line in the sand and you either support what we do here on ITS, or we don’t want you as a reader plain and simple. If you’re a Plank Owner reading this article and don’t feel like you can continue to support what we do at ITS Tactical any longer, please contact us and we’ll give you a refund.

Thank you for your time and support,
Bryan Black, Editor-in-Chief

Please take the time to share this article using the social media buttons right below and get this information out to those that need it!!

No comments will be moderated in this post, everything written will be displayed (with the exception of the comment that just said “Kill:::” give me a break…)

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{ 2 trackbacks }

The Value of Rural Land for Modern Survivalists | The Survival Podcast
March 30, 2010 at 10:27 am
Episode-10- Who Do You Serve | JackSpirko.com
July 13, 2010 at 1:27 pm

{ 86 comments… read them below or add oneDiscuss in our Forum }

alden wilkins March 29, 2010 at 9:16 am
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Keep Up The Good Work!!!

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Coming from a FF/Medic & part-time LEO (11 yrs exp. Local & Federal)…………thank you, I have your six!!
Semper Fi

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Ed Fleshman March 29, 2010 at 9:34 am
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I have been following you guys almost from the beginning and I find your information, across topics, useful and interesting.

I was a Soldier, I am an LEO/LEO Trainer, and I teach defense minded Law Abiding Civilians applicable skill sets. I not only approve of your information sharing, I use some of the information and products I have come across through this source.

The bad guys already have this knowledge, they are as professional in their way as we are in ours. We need to use knowledge like this to build solid tactics and train for its use.

Good job guys, keep the channel open.

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Right on! Keep “slaying the sacred cows” and pushing the envelope of mind-set, tactics, and gear. I imagine that those that have a problem with this information are guilty of using sub-standard TTP’s. I believe it’s Rob Pincus that calls it “Respectful Irreverance.” Thanks for what you do.

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I was going to come up with some fancy comment but you know what, Ed Fleshman (above) put it the best:
“The bad guys already have this knowledge, they are as professional in their way as we are in ours. We need to use knowledge like this to build solid tactics and train for its use. ”

Well said.

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Your sight on things is absolutely the right one for my understanding. There should be a lot more awareness that break-in (or break out in your case :-) ) attempts can be used to prove security. Not everyone trying to circumvent security measures is a bad guy. There are lots of reasons for doing so that are very well able to serve us all.
So please keep up the good work!

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Keep up the good work Brother!

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Always impressed Bryan :0)

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Bryan,

I wouldn’t give you my money if I wasn’t 100% sure of your intentions and convictions.

I’ve never met you but your wealth of practical knowledge and handy “tips” more than prove ITS Tactical’s worth.

There is a reason you chose to pursue this endeavor and I fully support that.

And I get free knot training to boot!

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TASurvivalism March 29, 2010 at 10:27 am
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“Keep Up The Good Work!!!”
Seconded!

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I have been a Crew member for a very short time, but have been watching and reading your stuff for about a year and I have found you reviews and videos very help full. I wish ITS the best of luck for the years to come. ITS will be one of my go to for practical knowledge and the helpful tips..

CharlesG
OIF 1-3-5

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Graham Monteith March 29, 2010 at 11:01 am
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ITS Tactical is THE BEST website I have found. Honestly I have looked for a website that does what you do better, just straight to the point there isn’t any…period.

Keep up the awesome work!!!

~Graham~

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I posted a reply on PoliceOne.com when some idot bashed you guys for outting this info out there. No on edirectly responded to my post, F*@K them. I also got your ziptie video forwarded to me by a freind at ICE with no explaination in the e-mail, just a forward. So I let him know what the deal was. Keep doing what your doing, we are all big boys and girls and we should take responsibility for our own safety, at least that was what I got from your videos.

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Bryan, I am so happy to see you finally come out swinging on this issue. I know the negative responses have been a concern for you. Yet those with principles such as your staff at ITS stick to them despite the way the wind is blowing at a moment in time. I will mention this in tomorrow’s edition of TSP and ask my visitors to watch, rate and comment on the Youtube video.

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Hurray for you. What doofus would think otherwise? Your site is very good and unique.

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Keep up the great work guys!

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Full-time cop here. I’ve had flex-cuffs fail on me. Now that I’ve seen your videos, I understand why and have changed my practices. Keep up the good work, there will always be nay-sayers. Someone else said this, but I’ll repeat it: I wouldn’t give you my money if I thought your intentions weren’t true.

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Fleshman said it the best “The bad guys already have this knowledge”. You guys in the community that disagree with ITS posts need to reconsider your train of thought. These posts were meant to save your lives, not endanger them. I personally want to know if my gear is going to put out, and if ITS can prove otherwise than I value you that information, especially while in the field. It is imperative that our gear does not fail when shit hits the fan and I know ITS does a great job testing that for all LEO and Military personnel. Gents, we train Hadjis everyday overseas, you know this, and we are still able to maintain a sharp edge and do the deed. Stop the all the BS complaints and use the intel to your advantage.

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So glad to see so much support for the truth! Way to go… and keep it up!

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I’m relatively new to following you guys but I completely support your perspective here. Your analogy to exposing security flaws in computer networks is right on: in the long term, no one is helped by sweeping such things under the rug. Keep up the great work.

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Benjamin Fasseel March 29, 2010 at 12:26 pm
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Hey you guys are doing a great job. I have learned A lot of good stuff about everything. I fully support all the info on this sight.

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Knowledge is power. That’s all there is to it.

I have a very close friend who is a Michigan State Trooper with undercover drug enforcement experience and has spent time in Lansing teaching combat tactics to other troopers. As well as, another friend who recently graduated from the academy. I want them to know as much as possible about what they’re dealing with out there and what their equipment is capable (or incapable) of doing. Videos like these help them out.

I say again, knowledge is power, without this knowledge you’d have no (or little) power. That goes for everyone, not just Military or LE, but myself and my family.

Keep up the great work and thanks for your service to our country and people!

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I’m a Veteran and one of the moderators on the forum. If I didn’t believe ITS was putting out good information or have quality values, I wouldn’t have applied to help out. Keep up the good work!

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There will always be knuckleheads to complain about everything.

I have thoroughly enjoyed your site and form my perspective you most certainty come across as PRO Law Enforcement. Keep up the good work gentlemen!

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Me and my wife vacation in Mexico and have every year since we been married. I Do not feel Unsafe there, But I do stay alert to my surroundings.

we do not go out to the clubs, or go there to party. our trips into town are during the daylight.

Not to say something can not happen, in fact a friend of the family had there daughter kidnapped last summer.

So when you did the videos on how to escape from zipties. I was very grateful since it may one day save my life or my wifes.

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KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !!!

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Knowledge is power, the more people who know the better the chance that they won’t fall victim.

Keep up the good work ITS!

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Great work here Bryan,
I’m not an LEO or military personnel, but anybody that is naive enough to think that A) the bad guys don’t already know this, and B) that pointing out deficiencies in something is “anti-law enforcement” or whatever, is endangering their own, and their teammates lives. All I am is average joe citizen, but information like this is important to me in home invasion situation, or wherever it may be relevant. From an LEO/Military standpoint, they won’t know what works or doesn’t work if somebody doesn’t find the deficiencies, make them known, and push people to fix them.
Love the blog, keep up the good work, and thank you for your service Bryan, and all those commenting here in the LEO and Military communities.

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Brian I would have bought another plank membership just to see a video of you getting out of those restraints at the shot show, and to get a good look at that vendors face.
PRICELESS.

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julio delahuerta March 29, 2010 at 1:42 pm
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I could give 2 sh!ts what your accused of.
An accusation doesn’t equal reality.
I don’t care if your anti-LE, pro-LE, anti-sodium, pro-sodium, anti-anti, pro-anti……..
As long as you pro-truth, I have you back bro.

Julio

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you’ll never make everyone happy. stick to your guns and keep up the good work.

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Nothing wrong with outing the truth. Thank you for doing so.

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Bryan~ it’s beyond me why you would even have to justify your training info shared with operators (LE or Millies). I have over 20 years in LE, and am a veteran. This type of info should be shared. I work undercover narcotics and this training my potentially save me or my famalies lives. Keep up the good work!!! If I didn’t believe in you guys…I wouldn’t be a plank owner!

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I have to say it’s pretty sad that an announcement like this even had to be made. I found ITS late last week and have been delving into the many articles since; and I must say I was utterly shocked to see this post this afternoon.

Please continue doing what you do, and know that there are many that appreciate your hard work.

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you go man!

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I find it hard to believe that the zip ties posts could possibly be construed as anti law enforcement.
In rural areas most of the LEOs carry them because of the possibility of having multiple suspects to detain for long periods of time while waiting for backup and/or transport.
I still carry them, (for lack of a cheap alternative) but after the posts and videos I will adapt my techniques and keep a better eye on the suspects.
If anything, that knowledge is pro-law enforcement.
Keep it up…good stuff.

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Keep up the great work!

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Mark Silkwood March 29, 2010 at 3:15 pm
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Right with you guys! Keep on giving us the information we need! Good job out there.

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Plank owner and proud to support ITS.

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HOOYAH ITS….. I’m in… :)

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Goarmy327 March 29, 2010 at 4:34 pm
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It’s ridiculous that someone would start problems over this. You guys have been doing a great job showing plenty of “what-if” situations.

There are all sorts of websites detailing illegal activities and this is NOT one of them. Keep it up.

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Your unwavering neutrality in your product reviews and your truthfulness, regardless of whether it’s politically correct!, is what makes me feel confident about everything that you recommend!

There’s a saying, “Those that ignore reality of truck, get hit.”

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Wheelhouse March 29, 2010 at 5:27 pm
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The main reason I continue to use this site is because of my belief in the quality of the information, the people behind the site, and the members who frequent it.

Thanks for all of the hard work that goes into making this a great site and not trying to provide “watered down” information to be acceptable to every person who may stumble upon the site.

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"pychofish" March 29, 2010 at 5:29 pm
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As an instuctor for LEO I have started doing a small presentation during our mechanical restraint classes I teach covering the “flex cuffs” (home depot special zipties) that we like to use so much on raids and during large disturbances. Following your lead I break out of them showing how easily they are broken. I found this as a great tool that may end up keeping one of my own safe. I also carry different kind of zipties on my gear both on and off duty because of their multipurpose uses. I still think that if I am ever car jacked, they will use them on me if given the chance. But will they be succesful? I think not. The info you provide is really nothing new or that isn’t out there already. The true criminals are taught all kind of disarming, and fighting skills either by their own, or while locked up. You guys just present it a lot better than most.

Keep up the great work, you have me as a fan

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runnningdog8 March 29, 2010 at 5:29 pm
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You guys are doing a Great job! Keep it UP!

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spenceman March 29, 2010 at 5:53 pm
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three cheers man, some folks are just scared of honesty.

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You guys can keep up the great work you have been doing and I will be a contributor for as long as this site is around, I love the gear, info, and reviews. Great stuff.

I am just glad that when we were using regular zip-ties in Iraq to restrain EPWs that none of them saw your site and tried to escape and do us harm.

Again I don’t want to keep beating a complemented horse but Great Work and I love the site.

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You guys do a great job at getting important information across to your readers. Someone will always have a negative opinion of what you say or do because they don’t like to think like we do…that you have to be knowledgable and prepared for any situation. Keep up the great work!

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march7898 March 29, 2010 at 7:13 pm
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That is hilarious that someone would construe and twist that information as anti-le, but with the way things are being twisted these days in all subjects/information and or statements it somehow does not suprise me. Been an LEO for 9 years in one of the largest cities in our great country and believe nothing on your site is anti-le, and judging by all the supportive comments who ever is making those negtive assumptions is probably of the minority of readers (members or non). Drive on with what you guys are doing because it supports us on the front lines (on the street) making us a stronger/safer and more knowledgeable force. Once again thank you.

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Ken Bass II March 29, 2010 at 8:18 pm
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You know I totally forgot to add this in my post above as “PsychoFish” but I only found your site last night, in less than 24 hours, I’ve become a huge fan, and now a Plank Owner. That should speak for you work alone, and how I forsee this being a great asset for myself and those I work with.

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Well put! Keep up the good work.

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