The police and servicemen of our country are vital to
its security. Police officers protect our safety and ensure order in
our communities. The equipment they use is critical. Ineffective police
equipment risks the lives of the officers and the public
they serve.
Police officers, fire fighters, and search and rescue
teams are highly trained professionals. They need equipment on par with
the caliber of their training. Their jobs are to restore order to chaotic,
potentially fatal situations.
Rescue teams need to have safety equipment, recovery equipment,
and first aid supplies. Fire fighters obviously need heat resistant
equipment and self contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). Police need
tactical gear along with safety, first aid, and some recovery equipment.
Outfitting the needs of these dedicated professionals is essential.
Tactical gear is primarily used by SWAT teams and was
adapted from military equipment. Tactical gear should allow freedom
of movement and provide an advantage in volatile situations. This includes
body armor made from extra tough Kevlar, firearms and their holsters,
high impact helmets, side handle batons, steel-toed boots, and fire
and chemical resistant clothing. Items to bring a perpetrator under
control are also necessary, handcuffs and TASERs fall into this category.
While some of this gear is supplied to officers upon hiring,
officers will also receive a list of other equipment needed. A lot of
this equipment is carried on a police duty belt. The duty belt carries
handcuffs, radios, a baton, the firearm and its ammunition, pepper spray,
a flashlight, gloves, pens, and keys. Because this belt can sometimes
cause back issues many departments are allowing officers to switch to
vests.
The vests have many pockets for evidence collection and
are made out of fire resistant materials. A holster for the firearm
will still have to be worn. Holsters should be lightweight, sturdy,
and easy to use. Holsters also need to have a certain level of retention
security. This allows the officer to access the gun quickly but prevents
it from being snatched by a criminal.
Handcuffs are another critical component of police equipment.
Plasicuffs, chain link hand cuffs and rigid handcuffs (also known as
speedcuffs) are all commonly used by police officers. The handcuffs
must be kept in an area that is easy to access. Speed can make all the
difference in restraining a perpetrator.
Other accessories that are commonly sought after by police
are some of the more minor items. Whistles are still part of the standard
uniform. Many officers prefer to use a weapon light or a certain kind
of flashlight. Gloves, pocket knives, and locksmith tools are all common
gear.
Those who risk their lives every day to protect ours deserve
quality gear. Police are dedicated to preserving and protecting the
constitution of the United States as well as its citizens. Without them
the streets would be chaos. Providing them with superior equipment that
ensures their safety is the least we can do. Many on the force have
lost friends and loved ones, yet they continue to safeguard our communities.
The safety of these officers should be the department’s priority,
taking care to see that the officers get only the best police equipment.