List of Police Officer Equipment
Police officers are everyday heroes who sacrifice their lives every day. They work collectively to ensure that they serve and protect citizens. A career in law enforcement isn’t easy, and police work is filled with rigorous physical and emotional demands. Preparation and training are top priorities for police officers, and the right equipment is critical.
Officers in police departments throughout the United States must be fitted with standard equipment to help protect themselves and citizens against any dangers they may encounter. The following list of police officer equipment represents the items officers may carry while on duty. The items may be physically carried, fastened to a utility belt, or stored in the police vehicle. See the list of Police Vehicle types for more information. It is important to note that officers do not carry all of these items simultaneously.
Ammunition
Police officers may carry extra ammunition if they need to reload their firearms. The ammunition can be stored on the duty belt or in a magazine pouch, and extra rounds may also be stored in the patrol vehicle.
Body Cameras
Although not part of the standard police uniform, police body cameras are becoming more popular. Law enforcement departments that have begun using the devices found a substantial decrease in complaints about police behavior.
Standard equipment may vary from department to department based on specific needs, but these items cover the basics.
Baton (Nightstick)
One of the oldest items of police equipment, the baton, is generally used to disperse and control crowds of people on the cusp of a riot. Batons also come in handy in protection against unarmed, aggressive people. In addition, batons are often used to break windows and doors to free or rescue trapped victims in dangerous situations.
Bulletproof vest
Most police officers prefer to use a soft bulletproof vest as part of their equipment as they are less noticeable. This armored vest can protect an officer against attacks with knives, pistols, rifles, small explosives, and the like.
Drones
Although drones are not considered part of the standard equipment officers wear, they are becoming more popular with national departments. They can track suspects, search for missing persons, survey a damaged area, and more. Learn more about Police Drones.
Duty Belt
The duty belt makes the equipment easy to carry and readily accessible. They are typically made of either leather or nylon and are usually black. The police duty belt is also known as a gun or kit belt.
Flashlight
While it isn’t a mandate, most officers always carry a flashlight. Some opt for large, heavy models that work well as self-defense tools, while others choose small flashlights with incredibly bright beams. For example, the Fenix and Surefire lights shine over 200 lumens and work great at night. Check out the MagLite ST3D016 3-D Cell LED Flashlight, Black, at Amazon.com.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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MagLite – ST3D016 Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight, Black |
$63.50 |
View on Amazon |
Handcuffs
Police handcuffs are probably the most used item in their equipment arsenal. Handcuffs are highly effective in controlling the suspect and preventing them from causing harm to their person or those around them. Most officers carry around 2-3 pairs to capture and detain more than one perpetrator.
Handgun Holster
A handgun holster is designed to carry a firearm in a convenient place. It is often attached to a utility belt but may also be around the upper torso or the leg. Holsters can be made of leather, nylon, or plastic.
Knife
Knives can be used as a self-defense weapon or as a cutting tool. If someone is trapped in a vehicle, a knife can cut a person free of restraint, such as a rope or a seat belt. It is important to note that not all cops carry knives due to the risk factors involved.
Rubber Gloves
Many cops keep one or more rubber gloves in their patrol cars. These gloves are essential when handling crime scene evidence, such as weapons, bullets, and other items. They keep the officer’s prints off the items. Officers also wear rubber gloves when examining victims.
Radio
Most departments use radios to facilitate communication with dispatch and other officers. The radios are usually attached to the utility belt and are often held with a radio pouch. However, some departments attach the radio to the shoulder area to make it easier for the officer to use. Ten codes are used to help expedite communication.
Uniform
Uniforms vary widely by jurisdiction, law enforcement unit, and type of work performed. They may also vary in color, but most uniforms are either blue or black.
Police Weapons
The following is a list of police weapons that may be carried in the line of duty. Officers can carry the items or store them in their squad car.
Mace / Pepper Spray
Officers may carry a mace or pepper spray canister to help neutralize individuals. The spray makes it difficult for the assailant to see and breathe, which gives officers time to subdue the individual and make an arrest.
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SABRE Pepper Spray, Quick Release Keychain for Easy Carry and Fast Access, Finger Grip for More… |
$9.99 |
View on Amazon |
Pistol or Firearm
Law enforcement officials face many potentially dangerous situations on any given day. Although they are rarely used, the pistol or firearm is essential to the police outfit. The Glock handgun is the preferred weapon for most on-duty police officers. Alternatively, a police officer may choose from over 20 different types of pistols with models like 10mm, 9mm, .45cal, and .40cal from the list. While the .40 caliber is most often a firearm of choice, an officer may choose any type or model of pistol.
Shotgun
Almost every police car is equipped with a standard 12 gauge shotgun, used during dangerous encounters with armed criminals. Buck shots are used in the shotgun’s magazine, the best option for close-range shooting and combat. Most officers carry additional ammunition on their equipment belts. A shootout at over 20 yards will likely call for using the shotgun. Police officers can carry a gun that shoots bean bags, a non-deadly weapon typically used in riot or crowd control situations.
TASER Gun
A relatively new addition to the list of police officer equipment, TASER®guns work more effectively when neutralizing suspects without causing excessive physical harm. On average, TASER guns can travel about 15 feet to latch onto the suspect through layers of clothing and inflict over 50,000 volts of electric current. This is enough to temporarily incapacitate the suspect, allowing the officer to make the arrest.
Other Resources
In addition to personal equipment, officers use software programs and tools, such as the NYPD Patternizr Software, which helps them solve crimes more quickly.
If you have any questions about police officer equipment, please comment below. View more Spy Gadgets.
It’s interesting how you said that preparation and training is a top priority for a police officer and the right police officer equipment is critical. I’d be interested to learn more about how the government designs all the uniforms and accessories that a police officer has to wear for when on duty. Thanks for sharing this article, I will definitely keep looking for more information about police helmets, body cameras, and vehicles that they use.
I will be attending a meeting with some senior police officers in my state I want to ask them why they can’t provide this equipment.