Published Articles
Warren Wilson's published work across leading law enforcement and firearms publications, covering topics from tactical training to leadership development.
Police1
Why grip strength matters more than you think
A strong, consistent grip shapes accuracy, control and confidence — and it remains critical even as trigger skills evolve or injuries set in.
November 20, 2025Read Article
Police1
Reality-based training rewires how police officers think and act
Stress inoculation, memory science and scenario realism can reshape how officers perform when it matters most.
September 15, 2025Read Article
Police1
Trijicon MRO SD delivers rugged optics for real-world patrol and SWAT use
Built for speed and clarity, the latest Miniature Rifle Optic (MRO SD) offers simple operation, magnifier compatibility and trusted durability.
September 11, 2025Read Article
Police1
Stop bribing cops to stay — fix what's broken instead
Cash payouts may look like a retention solution, but they drain budgets, hurt morale and attract the wrong people.
August 30, 2025Read Article
Police1
3 ways cops can protect a take-home vehicle
Considering the proliferation of law enforcement take-home vehicle programs, it's no surprise there has been a correlating increase in burglaries to those vehicles.
August 22, 2025Read Article
Police1
What your department's off duty/concealed carry training program should include
Agencies must provide their officers with the training they need to be just as competent with their firearm off duty as they are on duty.
July 21, 2025Read Article
Police1
Why your agency shouldn't shelve the shotgun
Agencies that undertrain with the 12-gauge are overlooking one of law enforcement's most powerful and versatile defensive tools.
July 16, 2025Read Article
Police1
Should the minimum hiring age for law enforcement be raised to 25?
Neuroscience, life experience and officer performance suggest it's time to rethink the minimum hiring age.
May 28, 2025Read Article
Police1
Debunking the Newhall myths: Why the truth still matters for every officer
False lessons from Newhall have shaped police training for decades. Here's what really happened — and why getting it right could save lives today.
April 29, 2025Read Article
Police1
Debunking the buckshot myth: Why fewer buckshot pellets can actually make you safer
The myth that nine-pellet loads are better than eight still lingers — but one round is almost always a flyer. Here's how one missing pellet can save lives.
April 29, 2025Read Article
Police1
The cost of action: Off-duty response decisions every cop must think through
Off-duty heroics come with high stakes — before you step in, make sure you've thought through your gear, your responsibilities and the people counting on you.
April 28, 2025Read Article
Police1
Testing Mossberg's new Professional Series: An evolution in fighting shotguns
Mossberg's Professional Series shotguns set a new standard for law enforcement, military and enthusiasts — rigorously tested at the legendary Gunsite Academy.
January 16, 2025Read Article
Police1
Illuminating the dark side of policing: Rugged lighting solutions transform crime scene investigations
Borrowing from firefighters' playbook, law enforcement embraces advanced scene lights to enhance safety, efficiency and adaptability in low-light operations.
November 22, 2024Read Article
Police1
NEXTORCH Pioneer: The tactical multi-tool that does it all
Affordable, practical and durable — this tactical multi-tool is designed for first responders who need reliability and versatility at their fingertips.
October 09, 2024Read Article
Police1
Two pistols, one review: How Smith & Wesson's Carry Comp Series elevates the M&P line
We put the Carry Comp Shield and Carry Comp Full Size Metal to the test, exploring their unique features and performance in real-world scenarios.
September 25, 2024Read Article
Police1
Worth every minute: Books, tactics and training for police leaders
Help your teams excel by doing your part to stay educated and engaged.
September 16, 2024Read Article
Police1
6 strategies for leadership in everyday life
The leaders I admire carry the talents and traits they perfect in the workplace home with them, and it pays off in their personal relationships.
September 09, 2024Read Article
Police1
The thin line between safety and tragedy: Muzzle control in policing
Seasoned trainers share insights on the often-overlooked dangers of improper muzzle pointing, urging officers to reconsider their approach to firearm safety in the field.
August 21, 2024Read Article
Police1
Beyond firearms: Essential gear and fun finds from Smith & Wesson
Explore the best of this iconic company's diverse product line, from indispensable utility gear to must-have collectibles and fun gadgets.
August 12, 2024Read Article
Police1
7 investments worth every penny for law enforcement
Since the average officer's budget often comes down to pennies, what expenditures of our personal funds are truly worth the investment?
July 29, 2024Read Article
Police1
Applying the internal customer and servant leadership concepts in law enforcement
Police agencies should take advantage of the millions of dollars private business spend to identify best practices for leading and motivating employees.
July 18, 2024Read Article
Police1
7 investments worth every penny for SWAT officers
From waterproof boots to Cat Crap (yes, really), here's some essential gear to add to your SWAT toolkit.
June 25, 2024Read Article
Police1
7 investments worth every penny for firearms instructors
Firearms instructors aren't just carrying supplies for themselves; they're carrying supplies for their students too.
June 24, 2024Read Article
Police1
Home security products on a budget
Practical upgrades like security bars, window films and wireless cameras can enhance your home's protection without overspending.
May 22, 2024Read Article
Police1
This is my biggest 'don't' when it comes to police firearms training
Pointing is rude and it can be life-altering.
April 30, 2024Read Article
Police1
Safeguard your firearm on the go: Gun safes for law enforcement POVs
From budget-friendly options to high-security models, find the perfect product to secure your firearm if you have to leave it in your personal vehicle.
April 03, 2024Read Article
Police1
The importance of gun safes in the home for responsible gun owners
Discover innovative solutions for keeping your guns both secured and accessible at home.
April 03, 2024Read Article
Police1
Meet the small revolver that defines concealed carry
Smith and Wesson Lipsey's Model 642 is just as friendly to novice shooters as it is experts and truly worthy of the title 'Ultimate Carry'.
March 20, 2024Read Article
Police1
Kyle Dinkheller's sacrifice: How the tragic 1998 incident continues to shape law enforcement training and tactics
VirTra's newest curriculum – 'My Story: Dinkheller' – gives officers of all experience levels a chance to learn from this past event.
September 11, 2023Read Article
Police1
Become a difference-maker during a tragedy: A review of Lone Star Medics' Tac Med EDC class
This eight-hour class is a great enhancement to the minimal tactical medical training received by most cops.
August 05, 2023Read Article
Police1
Patrol is SWAT during an active killer event
Officers need to be trained to that level of response – and SWAT officers are the ideal training resource.
August 16, 2022Read Article
Police1
How simulator technology improves police cadet training
High-tech simulators allow for the interleaving of skills while providing stress inoculation.
July 29, 2022Read Article
Police1
Do the hard things
There's an old saying about easy times making soft people. That's where we are right now and it all stems from our fear of challenge.
June 21, 2022Read Article
Police1
Training to shoot from and through vehicles
How bullets work against various parts of a vehicle is critical information for cops.
July 12, 2019Read Article
Police1
Why standards matter in training
Without standards in place, how do we measure the performance and competence of students and the credibility of instructors?
February 03, 2020Read Article
Police1
The benefits of the train the trainer approach
A one-time expense can enable scores of students to be trained in a technique or philosophy for years to come.
April 21, 2020Read Article
Police1
Why cops should seek firearms training outside of law enforcement
Law enforcement agencies tend to suffer from institutional inertia that comes from only conducting firearms training from within the department.
July 23, 2018Read Article
American Cop
Pepper & Sticks
An in-depth look at OC pepper spray deployment and its role in law enforcement less-lethal options.
July 16, 2024Read Article
American Cop
Taser Weapon Confusion
Examining the phenomenon of weapon confusion between TASERs and firearms, and how training can prevent tragic mistakes.
April 16, 2024Read Article
American Cop
Target Selection
Understanding the critical decision-making process of target selection in defensive shooting scenarios.
March 20, 2024Read Article
American Cop
Online Training That's Worthwhile
A guide to finding quality online training resources that can genuinely improve your skills and knowledge.
February 14, 2023Read Article
American Cop
A Solution for Shooters with Small Hands — Walther's PDP-F Series
Reviewing the Walther PDP-F Series designed specifically for shooters with smaller hands.
February 1, 2023Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
Firearms Instructor Development with Tom Givens
A comprehensive review of Tom Givens' three-day Firearms Instructor Development class at Rangemaster.
February 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
S&W Performance Center M&P Review
Smith & Wesson wasn't satisfied with a good thing - here's why the Performance Center M&P line represents the next step in evolution.
March 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
Custom Holster Shops Worth Your Money
Four 'Mom and Pop' custom holster shops that deliver quality products and customer service without breaking the bank.
April 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
Red Dot Sights on Defensive Pistols: The Future?
Testing the M&P CORE with Trijicon RMR to measure real advantages of reflex sights over traditional iron sights.
March 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
Vince O'Neill: A Premier Law Enforcement Instructor
Profiling one of the premier law enforcement instructors in the country with over 30 years of training experience.
April 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
The S&W 340 PD: No Compromises Needed
Why the J-frame Smith & Wesson revolver remains a must-have carry gun, and how the 340 PD eliminates common drawbacks.
February 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
Operation Specific Training: Practical Fundamentals
A review of Jerry Jones' process-oriented Practical Fundamentals class at Operation Specific Training.
February 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
The M&P R8: A Modern Duty Revolver
Can a revolver still serve as an effective duty weapon in the 21st century? One deputy proves it can.
January 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
Recovery: Coming Back from Injury
A personal account of recovering shooting skills and confidence after surgery, and the path back to competence.
January 2016Read Article
Modern Service Weapons
On Training: Value Without Breaking the Bank
How to get quality firearms training when tuition, travel, and ammunition costs are prohibitive.
March 2017Read Article
The Tactical Wire
Counter Ambush
Law enforcement training needs a hard reset. Learning from veteran officers who lived through volatile times, this article explores counter-ambush tactics that have been lost to most modern departments.
April 28, 2020Read Article
Primary & Secondary
The Police Pendulum
An examination of the devolution of law enforcement in the 21st century, exploring how cyclical anti-police sentiment, media influence, and generational changes have created unprecedented challenges for modern policing.
2019Read Article