MAP Apparel is once again available through direct order/third party vendor. Hanging by a Thread Embroidery is working with the former owner of Firehouse graphics to produce MAP material. Hanging by a Thread is owned by Portland Police Officer and MAP member Tony Balzano. All purchases made through Tony and his business will be mailed directly to the members' PD to prevent civilian purchase. Below is a link to the new hanging by a Thread Website. You may order items through the website as well as contacting Tony Directly.

TASER International to Introduce Wireless eXtended Range Electronic Projectile

TASER International today announced it will introduce its much anticipated XREP wireless 12-gauge Neuro Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) projectile at the annual TASER Tactical Conference on July 9, 2007 in Chicago, Ill.

The conference, normally restricted to active duty law enforcement and military officers, will include an open session for media to attend the keynote address by Tom and Rick Smith, Chairman and CEO respectively, at the conference's opening from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

"The Wireless eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP) is truly a revolutionary technology breakthrough, culminating five years of intensive research and development and a dream that began 14 years ago with the founding of TASER International, " said Rick Smith, CEO. "The XREP introduces not only amazingly miniaturized TASER technology, but groundbreaking flight stabilization and microprocessor- controlled intelligent electrode selection technologies - in a package that weighs only 14 grams, or half an ounce. The XREP projectile is, by an order of magnitude, the most sophisticated weapon system ever launched from a 12-gauge shotgun platform."

XREP product images, video demonstrations, and public specifications will not be released until the keynote presentation. Limited previews of advanced features will be posted on TASER International' s Website at www.TASER.com/ XREP - with the keynote address and full product features being released on July 9.

The company plans to release the XREP into a field test for six to 12 months starting in the fall of 2007, with full release of production in 2008 upon completion of the field trial phase. Law enforcement, military, and press can sign up to attend the TASER Tactical Conference at www.TASER.com/ XREP.

NOTE: This would be considered deadly force in Maine given its discharge from a firearm in the direction of a person.

["Deadly force" means physical force which a person uses with the intent of causing, or which he knows to create a substantial risk of causing, death or serious bodily injury. Intentionally or recklessly discharging a firearm in the direction of another person or at a moving vehicle constitutes deadly force.]

Maine Association of Police bronze lapel pins are for sale to MAP members and their families for $5.00 per pin. We also have a supply of navy blue, 50/50 poly/cotton t-shirts made famous at the 2007 MAP Awards Banquet! Sizes XL and XXL available for $10.00 each. MAP Logo in white on the left chest. Learn the answer to the eternal question; "Why did God create police officers?", on the back.

ALL proceeds will go to the MAP Charities Fund to allow us to continue supporting efforts such as Maine Concerns of Police Survivors, Camp Sunshine, Camp Postcard etc. Members or locals interested in purchasing pins or t-shirts can contact the MAP office at 767-2558 or at map75@verizon.net

Costs will include the cost of pins and postage. Members can also make arrangements to pick pins up at the office. As these were popular at the Awards Banquet, we do not anticipate them lasting long. Order yours today!

LD 936, or the bill which will change the immunity of police officers in discretionary functions (Vehicle Chases, etc.) recently passed in the legislature. There has been considerable discussion and misinformation in regards the effects this bill will have on individual officers and how it was passed. Sadly, this misinformation comes from within our own membership. In communicating with the Maine State Troopers Association and researching the bill the following information below is the accurate ramifications of this bill!

This morning I received an inquiry about the status of LD936, the bill to change the Immunity of Law Enforcement Officers on Discretionary Functions (motor vehicle operation). After we were able to get the bill withdrawn by its sponsors, the bill went back to committee for work and "consideration". A couple of weeks later, the bill came back to the floor of the House of Representatives in a much more watered down version. The bill passed both the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor. A number of senators and representatives that voted against it the first time, voted in favor of the newly worded bill.

The long and the short of it is that this new bill actually helps us more than it hurts us. Here's what the new version changed. Under previous state law, Law Enforcement Officers were personally liable for up to $10,000 if there was a ruling against them in a civil suit. Most of the time, the towns, counties or the state would of covered the officers liability, but the fact was that there was always a possibility that you and I would of had to come up with 10-grand if we were at fault in a car accident. This new bill removes all personal liability on the part of the police officer.

MAP Charities held it first official fundraiser in 2004 raising over $12,000.00! At the June Full Board meeting, the following organizations were selected by the membership to be the first recipients of MAP Charities monies:

The presentation of these donations will be made at this year's awards banquet to recognize the work that these organizations provide the people of Maine and the support that they share in working with law enforcement. Please join the membership in congratulating this years donation recipients at the banquet!

President Bush recently signed HR 218 into law ratifying the National right to carry. Much of the work on this undertaking was done by the Law Enforcement Alliance of America for the past 12 years! To read the text of the law click here