NATO Sign on Shields

[ Click here for the letter to Newswatch Magazine ]

 
In response to a letter from Forest Glen Durland asking for information regarding NATO on their SWAT team shield, the following letter was received. It is posted here to clear the air about the use of the term NATO.
 
To many people, NATO has become synonymous with dictatorship, aggression and war.
 
The Modesto Police Department is commended for removing the term NATO and replacing it with Modesto Police Department.



 

CITY of MODESTO Police Department Administration:
(209) 572-9500 FAX (209) 572-9669
60111th Street, P0. Box 1746, Modesto CA 95353
[TDD (209) 526-9211 Hearing and Speech impaired only]
 

September 15, 1999
 
Mr. Forest Durland
14675 ¼ Big Basin Way
Saratoga CA 95070-6081
 
Dear Mr. Durland:
 
Recently, photographs of our Modesto Police Department's SWAT Team were circulated on the Internet. Unfortunately, these photographs generated some concern over the NATO 2 label that was clearly displayed on the face of our Protec protective ballistic shields. These pictures were acquired from a book published in 1994 titled "SWAT TEAMS: Police Special Weapons & Tactics," which was authored by Hans Halberstadt. The Modesto Police Department participated in the writing of this book but we have never authorized Internet distribution of its photographs or content.
 
In response to many inquiries and concern, the label "NATO 2" is a manufacturer's signature which designates a specific ballistic protective capability. Specifically, it is defensible for any "NATO" or high powered rifle round and is the heaviest protective armor available to law enforcement on the market. The "NATO" level I shields indicate a protection level against pistol and most non-rifle rounds. The manufacturer does not apply labels to their "level 1" shields. This label in no way indicates that the Modesto Police Department is aligned with any NATO elements of federal or international military organizations. Unfortunately, it has been perceived as such. Due to this concern, we have recently painted our shields over and replaced the labels with our agency name, the Modesto Police Department.
 
The armored vehicle contained in these photographs was donated by a local armored car security transport company. It was rebuilt and modified to suit our needs for tactical equipment storage and security. You can rest assured that NATO has not contributed or supplied the Modesto Police Department with any weapons, tools or tactical equipment of any kind.
 
We appreciate your concern and hope to have answered your questions. Feel free to contact our agency if we can be of any further assistance.
 
 
 
Best Regards,
[sign]
Floyd D. Sanderson Police Chief
cc: City Council
 


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Forest Glen Durland, CEO. 14675 1/2 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070-6081
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