Basic
California police supplies include a large variety of gear designed
to help the officer deal with any situation that might arise. These
items include, but are not limited to: a firearm, handcuffs, a taser
and a baton - all of which is carried on a utility belt. Other common
California police supplies might include a tactical vest, flashlight
and radio. The officer carries all of these items while on duty.
The most basic of California police supplies is the firearm.
Most officers have their own opinion of which side arms are the best
but 9mm and .40 caliber models are the most popular. In high-crime areas
the .40 caliber pistol is becoming increasingly more common because
of its greater stopping power.
The California State Police recently named the Smith and
Wesson .40 caliber model 4006 as the official sidearm of the agency.
With nearly the stopping power of a .45 caliber, but in a smaller package
with less recoil, the 4006 is the ideal weapon for the modern peace
officer.
Another basic of California police supplies is the police
baton. While at its heart it is still the most primitive of police weapons,
it has proven its worth time and time again. The basic baton is a straight
stick anywhere from 24-36 inches in length. Often these sticks will
have a crosspiece that can double as a handle.
Modern versions of this old stand-by are made from composite
materials that are more lightweight and more durable. Many of these
newer style batons are expandable, meaning they can easily be carried
on the officer's belt in a closed position but can be opened at the
touch of a button when needed. These expandable batons can often be
purchased with a built-in LCD light in the handle in order to double
as a flashlight.
Handcuffs are always at the top of any list of California
police supplies. These items have been a historical staple of the police
officer and are absolutely essential to law enforcement. Traditionally
made from iron, today's standard handcuffs are made from aluminum and/or
steel. These modern versions retain the strength of their older cousins
but are much lighter and more compact making them ideal for modern peace
officers.
Aside from standard-issue handcuffs, many law enforcement
agencies have begun to utilize nylon restraints. These restraints are
essentially a plastic cord that can be pulled tight around the wrist
of the suspect. These devices can be much more convenient when officers
have to deal with multiple arrestees and only one pair of traditional
handcuffs. They are also used in crowd control situations.
Most police officers also carry a tactical knife as standard
equipment. Also known as a "first-responder" knife, these
items are often multi-use tools. Aside from being useful for cutting,
these knives can also be used to break glass, punch holes, and dig through
just about anything. They are commonly made from high-quality steel
in order to retain their cutting edge during heavy use.