During the closing months of 2014, the local police department was conducting Active Shooter refresher training and I was asked to assist in this endeavor. I brought along my DSM Banner to showcase to the administration and particularly the plain clothes attendees. Both the instructor and I spoke about our experiences of Blue -On-Blue during training scenarios and the importance of Positive ID during these types of situations. During the Simulatition based practical portion of the training, the plain clothed officer was equipped with the DSM Banner and throughout all of the evolutions, not a single plain clothed officer was engaged whatsoever, even in a low light situation. This was a marked difference from previous evolutions where non-uniformed personnel would routinely be either shot or dealt with negatively due to the inability of facial recognition because of the SIM helmets. The administration was very so impressed with the DSM Banner and that the Training Branch was given directions for a purchase order on the spot.

Thank you for putting out a great product that should mitigate any Blue-On-Blue situation and keep up the great work.

Law Enforcement Training

Upon seeing the DSM Safety Banner for the first time, it was a logical approach to a long standing problem. I purchased them and have them in place with my lieutenants, detectives, school resource officer, myself and others ready for special events. This banner is a low cost investment to save lives and prevent tragedies. If you are a chief, sheriff, or police instructor you need to give these strong consideration for your staffers. It is all about saving lives.”

Ephrata Police Department

The DSM Safety Banner could be a life saver for any cop that ever needs to draw his weapon when not in uniform.
It’s Life Insurance on your hip!

Ken Hackathorn

Police/Military Tactics Instructor-Gunwriter

Most of you know one of my major concerns is Officer Safety and I am always interested in anything which will promote it. Additionally, when I am “off-duty” and out in public, I am ALWAYS armed. On an all too regular basis we receive news about another “blue on blue” shooting. It has happened several times in Florida over the past couple of years. In most of these situations an “off-duty”, a “plainclothes”, or an “undercover” officer was shot by another, possibly a responding, officer. It is a question of recognition and identification when it was not clear to the uniformed officer he was dealing with another law enforcement officer. The question remains how to better identify ourselves if we find ourselves in “plainclothes” and in a similar situation.

Recently I came across a product called the “DSM Safety Banner” designed specifically to positively identify an officer who is in “plainclothes” or “off-duty” in these types of situations. I have included I link to the DSM Safety Products website. The “Banner” was designed by Mike Lessman, himself a full-time law enforcement officer. I have conversed with Mike on several occasions prior to purchasing my own “Banner”. I wanted to make sure I was not wasting my money should I buy one. I have not wasted my money.

The “Banner” is a quality product, sturdy, well made and inexpensive. It recently won best of show for new law enforcement product at the recent TREXPO West Show in California. When deployed, it would be extremely difficult for a responding officer not to be able to identify the wearer as a law enforcement officer. Prior to deployment, it is easily concealed in what looks like a cell phone pouch (which does not identify the wearer as an LEO). It is simple and quick to deploy. Finally, when finished, it is very easy to re-pack the “Banner” in its pouch.”

Florida Law Enforcement Agency