As man becomes technologically more advanced the myth of weapons control becomes more and more obvious. Materials like composite fibers and resins can be sharpened like a knife yet give off no magnetic signature, fooling the most advanced metal detection devices.

With all technologies racing forward it literally takes a subject matter expert or specialist to stay on top of the latest developments. The law enforcement officer (LEO) typically is so busy in these modern times that he can barely keep up with all the latest developments in one field relating to security and law enforcement let alone something as esoteric, yet as life threatening as covert weapon design.

Fortunately, Bart Bjorkman, of Rossiter and Associates, a consulting/teaching firm that specializes in law enforcement subjects has compiled, what must be the best textbook on the subject of covert weapons.

Titled RECOGNITION AND RESPONSE TO COVERT WEAPON INFILTRATION INTO SECURE AREAS should be in every LEO’s, crime lab’s and facility security manager’s library. This soft cover book has over 100 pages containing 200 clear illustrations of the latest in professionally made and improvised weapons currently in use by villains today. The book runs the gamut from edge weapons to impact weapons (those most likely encountered by the patrolman or security guard).

Many of you will already be familiar with the plastic knives such as the “CIA Letter Opener” but how many of you have run into sharpened lock shackles? Or how about a shaving brush with an impact spike? Page after page, illustration after illustration of the most devious covert weapons that have been perceived and produced. The author delves deeply into innocuous every day items that the bad guys have converted to do violent damage. With nearly 25 years in the military and police supply industry I thought I had been expose to a lot of different weapons, and yes, to be sure many in Bjorkman’s book I have seen before.

Bart Bjorkman has also thoughtfully included a glossary of terms that will be of use to security personnel that are new to the job.

The depth of Mr. Bjorkman’s research into this timely subject of covert weapons is made evident by the fact that his bibliography is more than three full pages long!

Every law enforcement and security agency should distribute this book to their staff. It is the definitive spotters guide to covert weapons. The public’s safety may very well depend on it.