The Weekly Briefing 🎄
Mitigating Drones
Federal lawmakers passed legislation this past week granting state and local law enforcement agencies expanded authority to detect and mitigate unauthorized drone activity. Under the new provisions, qualified agencies can now utilize specialized counter-UAS technology to intercept or disable drones that pose an immediate threat to public safety without seeking prior federal approval for each instance. This shift represents a significant change in policy, as the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security previously held exclusive jurisdiction over active drone mitigation.
Drones Boost Force
According to CBS Colorado, the Denver Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) pilot program has achieved a 95% success rate in providing critical intelligence across 215 service calls, including robberies and weapons offenses. Data indicates that these drones arrive on-scene ahead of ground units in over 80% of missions, allowing for quicker suspect apprehension and more efficient resource allocation. By leveraging this technology, the department has reduced emergency wait times and enhanced officer safety by identifying armed subjects before units enter dangerous environments. 🔗 More here
Arrest Rates Hit Record Lows
The national arrest rate has reached its lowest point in decades, plummeting 71% from its 1994 peak and remaining 30% below 2019 levels, according to Stateline. While adult arrests saw a 7% decline between 2020 and 2024, juvenile arrest rates spiked by 14% during that same window, including significant surges among Black (48%) and Asian (45%) youth. Data from the Council on Criminal Justice highlights a sharp retreat in narcotics enforcement, with drug-offense arrests for both adults and juveniles falling to nearly half of 2019 rates. Additionally, the demographic makeup of those being taken into custody has shifted; women and girls now represent a significantly larger share of total arrests than in previous decades, with adult women accounting for 27% of arrests compared to just 14% in 1980. 🔗 More here
Cross-Border Smuggling
Illicit firearms originating from the United States now account for the vast majority of crime guns recovered in Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, according to the New York Times. In 2024, 91% of handguns recovered from crimes in Ontario and 88% of all firearms seized in Toronto were traced back to the U.S. southern border, marking a significant increase from 51% a decade ago. Law enforcement officials report that these weapons—often sourced from states like Arizona, Texas, and Florida—can fetch up to $4,300 on the Canadian black market, nearly eight times their original retail value. This influx of illegal hardware has fueled a 33% increase in Canada’s homicide rate since 2013, with firearm-related killings jumping 89% as street-level gangs gain unprecedented access to high-capacity and modified automatic weapons. 🇨🇦 More here
Ghost Guns Surge
A recent analysis of nearly 350,000 firearms recovered at crime scenes reveals a 1,000% surge in the recovery of 3D-printed weapons over the last five years, according to NPR. These "ghost guns," which lack serial numbers and traditional traceability, increased from just 32 recoveries in 2020 to 325 in 2024 within 20 major U.S. cities. Despite the rise of untraceable technology, the vast majority of crime guns originate from major manufacturers; specifically, four companies—Glock, Taurus, Smith & Wesson, and Ruger—account for more than 50% of all recovered firearms. Furthermore, ATF data indicates a high rate of rapid diversion from legal commerce to criminal use, with half of the nearly 2 million traced guns appearing at crime scenes within three years of their legal purchase. Law enforcement experts note that these "time-to-crime" windows often signal illegal trafficking, while a significant portion of other recovered weapons enter the criminal market through theft from legal owners. 🔫 More here
Ambush Responding to Domestic
According to ABC News, three Rochester police officers were shot “without warning at close range” Friday night while responding to a domestic disturbance involving a reported break-in. Upon arrival, officers located a male suspect who immediately opened fire, striking two officers and the original 911 caller before fleeing the scene. A third officer was shot minutes later during a secondary encounter with the suspect, which ended when police returned fire and killed the individual. One officer remains in critical but stable condition following surgery, while the other two officers and the civilian caller are listed in stable condition with serious injuries. 🔗 More here
Keystone State Leadership
Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens will assume the role of Acting Commissioner for the Pennsylvania State Police, at the end of the year, following the retirement of Colonel Christopher Paris. According to PennLive, Paris is stepping down after 26 years of service to join the FBI, leaving behind a legacy of significant recruitment success, including the graduation of over 550 new troopers since 2023. Bivens, a seasoned veteran who enlisted in 1985 and a long-time Weekly Briefing reader, brings extensive operational experience to the post, having previously led high-profile manhunts for fugitives Eric Frein and Danelo Cavalcante. As the head of the nation’s tenth-largest police agency, Bivens will oversee a $1.5 billion budget and a workforce of over 6,500 personnel, ensuring administrative and operational stability for the 3.3 million residents served by the department. Congrats Colonel Biven. 👮♂️ More here
Chief Medina to Retire
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina officially announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025, concluding a three-decade career in law enforcement and five years leading the department. According to KOB 4, Medina’s tenure as Chief saw the agency achieve a major milestone by coming into compliance with the Department of Justice consent decree, which had guided reforms for over ten years. Under his leadership, APD reported significant year-over-year crime reductions through November 2025, including a 33% drop in homicides, a 42% decrease in auto thefts, and a 12% reduction in overall violent crime. Medina highlighted the importance of leadership and proactive enforcement during his final staff address. Upon his retirement, Medina will transition to a role developing leadership programs for police chiefs nationwide, while Albuquerque initiates a national search for his permanent. 🚔 More here
Fallen Trooper 💙🖤💙
The Washington State Patrol is mourning the loss of Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who was struck and killed Friday night while investigating a collision. According to KIRO 7, Guting, 29, was outside her patrol vehicle when she was hit by a passing motorist. Despite immediate aid from witnesses, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Guting was commissioned only weeks ago on October 30, following an eight-year career as a signal intelligence analyst in the Army National Guard. This tragedy marks the 34th line-of-duty death in the agency’s 105-year history and the second trooper killed by a vehicle on Washington roadways in less than two years.
Shoplifter Tries to Shoot Officer
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