5 Things POLICE Departments DON'T ISSUE That COPS Need
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- From moisture wicking clothing to coolers some items are just not issued by police and sheriff's departments. Here are my recommendations. Don't forget to leave yours in the comments. www.freefieldtraining.com/
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Cooler: www.amazon.com/Coleman-Can-Re...
221B shirt and vest: www.221btactical.com/collecti...
Use code "FFT20" for 20% off of max dri vests!
911gear suspenders and duty bag: www.911gear.ca/
Bluetooth to FM transmitter: amzn.to/2Bpzl99
Safe Life Defense Body Armor: www.safelifedefense.com/
Use code "FFT10" for 10% off everything
ASP batons, handcuffs, zip cuffs, and accessories:
Allegiance Holsters: www.allegianceholsters.com/
Use code "FFT15" for 15% off everything
Harry's Holsters: harrysholsters.com/
Use code "freefieldtraining"
Guardian Angel Devices personal safety warning light: www.guardianangeldevices.com/...
Use code "80CLIP" for free shipping and a free accessory
ASP batons, handcuffs, zip cuffs, and accessories:
Every department should order and issue Guardian angel devices.
Most don't, but if you use code "80clip" you can get free shipping and a free accessory with a guardian angel device when you buy one for yourself here: www.guardianangeldevices.com/?code=80
@Roy Rodgers Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that.
@Roy Rodgers an angel*, you illiterate fuckhead.
Something very bad has happened to you in your past, or you're just been corrupted because you're too fucking gullible to see that cops aren't bad. Get your head out of your ass, mate.
@Roy Rodgers Look up Real World Police. Check their latest video - The one with the woman getting a ride home, and the cop buying a fucking cake for her kid.
@Roy Rodgers you're an idiot
The 6th thing that departments don’t issue is Ortho Home Defense insect killer to get rid of those annoying crickets. 😂😆😂🤣🤪
heystarfish100 lmao
Now I can't stop hearing them in the background lol
Crickets are the trolls of the insect world. I swear if one ever gets inside the house I will go on a multi-hour mission to hunt that sucker down and smash it with a hammer. I have even shot one before but decided against that method after the one.
You'll all be happy to learn that they all died over the winter.
@@freefieldtraining The crickets didn't bother me, it reminded me of the old rock group Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
Every cop needs a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Driving around during shift here in Texas you can dam near go blind by all the light reflections coming off other cars.
Night shift baaaabeeeeeey
Everyone needs those should be illegal to drive without sunglasses lol
Crappy pens for when you don’t want that pen back.
Two items my department doesn’t issue, I’m sure others don’t either, are a good tourniquet holder and a pen size universal handcuff key.
Adam cobra tuffskin makes a really good pen key
Adam, check out Mountain Man Medical . . .
Zak tools
A pen style handcuff key. Most departments just issue standard small handcuff keys almost impossible to use with gloves.
Galls.com has a few. Uzi pens have tac ink 🖊 with hidden hand cuff keys. NOTE: do NOT waste $ on the swivel Streamlight key chain, handcuff key. 👎🏻. The batteries wear out quickly and the metal clip can break quickly.
Then take off the gloves
@@seanmitchell2908 Yeah. Horrible idea. I have a scar on my thumb from the pin that's used to double lock the cuffs going INTO MY THUMB because the guy I was cuffing resisted. Not a pleasant feeling.
tremerefury And people are just gross, and that's more time fussing.
Got one of the jumbo ones from peerless. It's freaking huge but a pleasure to use.
Dog food and dog treats. You never know when you will need it lol
I've been in law enforcement for 23 years and have found time and time again that a good bit driver set and small socket set have been very handy (be for seizing a license plate or for taking a panel loose while searching a vehicle). The thing is I've never had an agency supply any tools and have always had to supply my own. I also have to supply my own bolt cutters, sledge hammer (cut down of course) and small axe myself. Yes, we do have to remove a tree from the roadway every now and then.
Absolutely! Leatherman gives great discounts to LEOs and a medium sized multitool gets used daily.
I wan to to be a cop when I grow up I am 15
@@jadendog8012 you are 17 now, almost there bud. We would love to have more fellow officers around. Dont give up
Not highest on the priority list, but very helpful: a standalone GPS device/display. Mine is set up to show the next upcoming cross street. I don't use the navigation function. It is very helpful in dark residential areas when you are not familiar with the beat and need to put out a location over the radio.
Any name or link?
@@longiusaescius2537 I have used the Garmin Drivesmart 65 for a couple years for that exact same reason. Shows you the next upcoming street and if you’re on the highway at night makes it easier to gauge when your turn is coming up. Especially when you’re rolling in hot.
From a 17 year veteran, I would say u have hit the nail on the head with all this gear. Great job keep up the good work
A good multi tool on your belt is a lifesaver....Leatherman is my favorite!!
A LEATHERMAN TOOL did save my life one day it was the "last weapon" left on my belt... Long story, but boy did it come in handy.
My agency issues a quality flashlight but some sort of compact body mounted light to keep your hands free makes night shift so much more manageable. I've tried several, but my favorite (and the one currently mounted to my shoulder) is a Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II. Its mounted to my armor on the right shoulder and allows me to use white light or red or blue for low light use. Even has IR, but I'm not that operator. The blue also allows me to cancel out the red in-car lighting if I'm trying to read red text on some of our paperwork.
You should try this out: th-cam.com/video/5ajCkFtDEBQ/w-d-xo.html
@@freefieldtraining that's pretty cool. I use a little larry
I like my Fenix. PD35 2017 version. 🔦. I use rechargeable batteries but it can also take Li batteries. I'm not a big Streamlight fan.
Streamlight Clipmate
Think I use the same one for my helmet. Waaaay better than the ones they issued me
Great video I've been using the cooler for the last 8 years not having to buy stuff when thirsty or hungry is where its at. Plus you never know when you'll get a break to eat or drink.
Stay safe out there!!
One thing that most don't issue is a C.A.T tourniquet. I think everybody should have basic medical gear
I have had CATS break when being applied. I prefer the SOF T. Much stronger and no freakin velcro.
@@dastuntman86 It probably wasn't a real CAT, there's a lot of fakes.
@@xXSgtWolfXx I got them when I was deployed to put in my aid bag.
@@dastuntman86 You sure it wasn't a RATs? They're known for doing that. CAT is arguably the number 1 so I would assume there would be more reports of failures.
@@bencunningham6298 yes. I am sure. And for self aid it is the SOF-T all the way! The CAT for self-aid is through one "buckle", but depending on who was teaching you, most do not know that.
Again I would go with the SOF-T ALL DAY LONG. Steel windless, no velcro, and has a screwible locking bolt.
That is just my preference and what I saw work best. IMO.
Individual first aid kits!! Everything that covers the M.A.R.C.H algorithm
MASSIVE HEMORRHAGE
AIRWAY
RESPIRATORY
CIRCULATION
HYPOTHERMIA/HEAD INJURY
And the training to go with it, I believe every LEO should have a tourniquet and trauma kit on their person that fits in the duty belt issued by their department
Narcan spray I think should be kept on the duty belt. I have scene too many officers either not have it in thier vehicle, or not think about taking it with them. At least were I live we can get it for free.
@@amberschadewald9300 that's a good one, I agree
If there’s anything that needs to be added to this list it would be a comfortable pair of boots. A 100% necessity for any officer working the roads or working a detail.
In my one year and eight months of law enforcement, I have found it beneficial to put a dog leash and a few treats in my bag. There’s nothing harder than attempting to get a stray or run away dog to approach you! Treats will establish a quick friendship and the leash will ensure that they don’t get away.
Seasonal boots. Vented light weight boots for the summer, and still vented but water proof boots for the winter.
Just got sponsored by a department and almost done with the police academy. Thanks for all the GREAT training and videos! Earned a subscriber!
I'm going to throw a curveball for this one... I work at a local PD as an intern in the traffic bureau, hoping to get hired by them when the Chief puts the next test out. That being said, I assist with a plethora of details that they do. One of the problems we would have when investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash would be photographing the scene. One of the officers was extremely proficient at photography like myself. However, despite his knowledge, the camera he was using simply would not produce the quality photos needed to attach to a report. The camera we had been using was a DSLR and it was over 15 years old. This fall we upgraded to a new camera that allows more manipulation of settings to take the highest quality photos. MVC scenes (and all other scenes for that matter) are hectic. Everyone has their red and blues on, TA's going, flashlights. With the new mirrorless cameras that shoot in 4K and 1080p, we are able to get greater detail in our photos which aid in closing a case. Detectives and other types of investigators should have the top photography equipment. Photography in police work is highly overlooked until someone sees a bad photo and wonders why it looks the way it does.
New to law enforcement and really appreciate the information thank you!
OK true story here......….. In 1980 straight out of High School I enlisted in the ARMY. I completed basic training and Military Police school and received my orders to Ft. Irwin Ca. Irwin in the middle on the Mohave Desert 40 miles outside of Barstow Ca. In Jan 1981when I arrived we were issued a Colt 191, two 7 round mags with rounds, a small note pad and one pen. That was it. No holster, cuffs, baton, belt, flashlight, badge nor arm band. I mean nothing at all. We were told to borrow gear from the shift we were reliving or carry the weapon and mag in our pocket. A few of the "older" guys who had been reassigned from other posts had gear but would not loan it out to us E1s. I was lucky and had a car so my first off days I was able to drive into LA and pick up gear for myself. The onwer of the store took pity on me and set me up with a nice used leather duty belt with all the trimmings for 25 bucks. I added a 4 D cell Maglite and a set of S&W cuffs and I was out the door. As I was walking out the door he handed me an old cloth MP arm band and tossed in 5 sets of military surplus belts with old 1911 flap holsters to share with others in need. . It was over a year be for the PM's office was able to get us real issue gear. I did share my Mag light with a guy when I was not working nights just made him buy his own batteries They are a bit out dated but I still have the Maglite and cuffs.
Good times! I bought my first 2 Maglites from Blumenthal Uniforms in Seattle around 1983 or so, and they lasted for years. Idk what you think of the current versions but with minor updating to increase lumens, I would have the old back in a heartbeat. Cheers from a Canadian vet!
I’m currently military police right now. I feel your pain on little to no gear. All I got was a nylon holster, a belt that looked like it was holding on for dear life, a baton (mind you it’s one the army doesn’t use anymore. Supply just has loads of these and my company is to cheap to buy new shit) a pair or handcuffs, a key, a holster for my baton that my baton didn’t fit into, and a vest that was to big for me. Slowly it surely ive been able to set up my own belt to how I like it with my own stuff.
I remember reporting to my MP unit 2011 and there were Brothers and Sisters without gear so I hooked them up with anything I had just sitting around the house.
@@joshconrad1379 I have stuff sitting around the house so let me know if you need anything and I'll see what I can do, we have to look out for each other because the powers that be dont.
Anrae Godley-Cooper
I have the cooler in the The trunk with my war bag. I got lucky,his dad also local guy had a ticket he needed to go away
The one thing I always keep in my duty bag is a good dog leash for those lose dog calls...saved me more than once and a big water container like the under armour jug-you only need to fill once per shift
I've been on the job for over 25 years and I've never been issued a comfortable holster. The best one I've EVER used is from Ted Blocker. I have the 4" drop with 180° swivel. I love this thing!!!
"Hey guys, so 5 things every co-"
Cricket In the background: *CRICK CRICK CRICK CRICK CRICK CRICK CRICK*
One thing to remember all poly clothing melts, even if it has a nomex coating on it. And most Poly under shirts will keep nasty odors in them. Silk on the other hand is a natural product, and while it can pick up nasty odors it is less likely to stink than the poly types.
Plus being a natural product it will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
I wash my poly tees using, along with detergent, powdered bleach with one box of baking soda per load. It works in keeping odor from building up.
Have you tried the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer? I found it about 6 mos ago and I now add it to all my loads of laundry. It works really well to kill the source of the odor vs masking it. Give it a try!
Lightweight Marino Wool base layers are a great option too. Naturally antimicrobial and moisture wicking. Definitely on the pricy side though.
One item... Smartwool socks! Good cushion, wicking, and warm too.
The purple royal seat cushion has made a huge difference in my hip and back discomfort. Can work an entire 10+ hr shift and be comfortable. Also seat belt extensions, Ford provides them for free at the dealership.
I absolutely LOVE your channel! It’s super helpful for me!
As far as gear NOT issued by PD:
Quality rain jackets
Trauma/Med kits
BOOTS
Quality tactical knives
Quality flashlights
Pen style cuff key! (They’re pretty cheap but definitely more helpful than those tiny little things they issue with your cuffs)
Just some things I think every LEO should have with em at all times. Thanks again for your training points and guidance!
A High quality knife is one thing they don’t issue.
if you have a can of deepwoods off you're always all of a sudden the coolest guy at the canvas when it's late summer in oklahoma. haha
Great show My dept. Here in Wisconsin don't give out duty bags, boots, Gerber tools. Leg shrouds, plates, QLS, metal ticket boxes or file clip board metal boxes? I think that's it! Lol.
Rite in Rain Note pad or similar note keeping essentials. Ive used Rite in rain products for 6 years now both in the Army and in my civilian career as a corrections officer and my waterproof notepad has saved me more than a few times. Not necessarily from the rain, but sweat would always ruin my note pads when i would store them in my uniform pockets.
Can you do a review on those Danner striker bolts? Im on the fence about them. Thanks
A few things for me that are essential for everyday on the road is my guardian angel light which is a multi use flash light that I mount to the shoulder of my vest. Another thing is my hard covered Narcan case that sits on the outside of my molle vest. Lastly the thing I can’t do any shift without is my Apple Watch. I use this for the walkie talkie feature, stop watch, and reading who messages are from so I know if they are important. Thanks for the content!
Definitely a Tourniquet/Narcan holster. I currently use the Ankle Medical Kit by Rescue Essentials. It is light weight and has Molle for anything you can think of. My department issues Tourniquets and Narcan but not a way to carry it effectively.
I don’t know how this has not been mentioned. A solid quality form organizer that has visible tabs. If your employer is like mine and has internal forms, county forms and state forms..then it’s a godsend.
Love mine. If your duty bag had the room, they also make drop in versions for duty bags now too.
I'm dreaming, but e-Tint sunglasses. They switch between clear and tinted with the press of a button, so you can keep them on when entering a dark room for eye protection.
Do I look like Bill Gates? Who can afford that
Might be kind of simple but... an accordion folder to help keep paper work nice and organized. Definitely something fairly cheap but really effective!
Just watched this video in the patrol car with my FM transmitter. Definitely a great purchase. An additional product not issued that everyone should have is a guardian angel device. Very useful
A high-quality thermos for coffee
Night vision. Hear me out. I work law enforcement for the Air Force, so my issued equipment is a bit dofferent, but one thing brought up by a state guy and a county guy who both reserve with us is night vision. My county is very large and very rural, and sometimes when working searches at night, running conventional lights can be limiting and hazardous. Super niche, but a lot of cow country cops could take advantage of NVGs
Thanx for giving allvthe the information bud!
One thing that I wish my agency would start issuing is a tourniquet. I’ve purchased my own and always get questions from other deputies about it. It’s a great piece of lifesaving gear not just for yourself but your shift partners, members of the community, etc.
When I was in Corrections one item that was needed that wasn't issued was a quality watch with a backlight as well as boots. We weren't issued boots...FML.
Steven Sieleman I used to work in a jail and a way CJ was a necessity. I don’t fre that a watch is necessary as a police officer since we have our phones unlike in corrections
I believe an IFAK most department won't supply or train in their use.
A AR mag holder, I use the Center Mass Intergrated Mag Holder between my duty belt and cross draw taser, works great at holding my mag, and pushes my taser out away from my body a bit making it easier to draw when I have a jacket on. It's a great solution as a way to discreetly carry a 20rd AR mag, or not so descreetly carry a 30rd AR mag.
The cooler is a definite must, had the same issue on nights just going to McDonalds at three in the morning and getting a cheeseburger and other junk. Deffo getting a Coleman cooler :) good size for all my food needs through my shift. Much love from the U.K.
I unfortunately\fortunately own everything except my Squad(take home), taser and radio. I have approximately 5k in gear.
A must have for patrol officers is rifle plates and carrier and or patrol rifle.
Darknyte 86
I even bought my own Taser. Our issue radios are 5-8 years out of date. Local Motorola dealer swapped a computer build for his gamer kid for my current 18 month out of date. The older ones still work but repair costs are getting out if feasible range.
A good item likely not issued is a good multi-tool.
Kris the LVN very good idea. I carry a multi-tool on my belt but a “rescue” knife on my person. It comes in handy
Something I use as a must have but, not department issued is a good pair of search gloves. I use Mechanix covert. They are thin so I can still feel items in pockets but yet protective.
For directing traffic, is the Fox 40 Sonik Blast Whistle.Bought the FOX 40 and its super loud and gets driver attention. I always have another officers asking me about it.
I spent half this video looking for a rogue cricket in my house.
*your cell
lol
Who cares
@@bluecupgaming2674 20 other people VS you.
@@Starch-Wreck
Cool
Tourniquets, they save lives if applied correctly, not a lot of departments issue them.
DavieS CSGO my Dept doesn’t issue much, but they did issue a tourniquet with a carrier.
@@jamessinacore6991 It's good to hear some departments are
A good gun light. I still remember when everyone I knew only had Galls or a store in town contracted with various agencies to sell gear and work on uniforms.
I found a couple dog leashes help. Good for dog calls obviously, but I've used them more than once to secure items in my squad. While on the subject, a large choke chain collar if your city doesnt have animal control for dog calls. The choke collar type are one size fits all if you can get it over the dogs head.
Departments rarely issue quality rain jackets
My department just bought us some kick ass 5.11 jackets. They have a very breathable waterproof outer shell, a mid layer shell that personally I use as my normal jack now, and an inner fleece type jacket. I took the reflective outer off and keep it in the trunk of whichever vehicle I'm in that night, and run the mid and base layers combined as my normal jacket. We've had some decently chilly nights here in PA, and I've never been cold.
Shirt stays!! Departments should issue shirt stays so that everyone is looking sharp at all times. Other than aesthetics, it also keeps ur uniform shirt away from the items on ur belt.
Which one do you like to use?
Nothing hurts worse then a shirt stay snapping into your beanbag. I know from experience. Getting ready for a friends wedding actually(no I wasn't wearing my Class A's to the wedding, just using my shirt stays for my suit.) ANYHOW, I'm getting ready, damn thing flies off, and I drop like a ton of bricks. My wife comes running in the bathroom, I'm wincing in pain flopping on the floor like a fish outta water, my boy comes out of his room seeing me on the ground, little smart ass starts laughing...that's also how I learned I don't need a paternity test, he's definitely my boy.
Might not be something you would think about, but one thing I would've added would be moisture wicking socks, to go along with the shirts. Sweaty, wet feet can be a bigger issue than you realize, and having good quality socks can really help with that. Same concept as the shirts. When it's super hot, it helps keep your feet from getting as uncomfortable and nasty, and when it's cold, your toes won't be freezing your whole shift due to sweat.
I think a multi tool would be a good addition to the duty belt. I have one on mine and have used it many of times
Moisture wicking and the FM transmitter/phone charger...it’s funny how we cops are so similar haha. Good stuff brother. Be safe. #wegohome
The rechargeable LED flashlight because the one normally Officers are issued crap
I love my Guardian Angel. Its a great bright light that is great for hands-free lighting for searching vehicles and for violator contact during traffic stops. Also it's great for motor vehicle accidents scene with the red/blue led strobe option. My Chief talked about getting all our officers one.
I’m gonna go with a Cool Cop. One of the a/c tubes that slide between you and your vest to cool off. They are a HUGE help!
A swiss army knife would help with certain situations.
High Quality Knife.
I mainly use a mini fridge that's powered by the aux jack works great but do have a good cooler
Thank You very much, this was helpful.
Flash light the hospital never gave me a flashlight when I started as a security guard
When it hits the fan, I don't care what color your polyester is as long as you're competent and you're on the same side. I'd rather have a different shirt and different badge show up to help than some rando from out of nowhere.
Shout out to the cooler bug that just casually crawled away 6:58
I second the suspenders. I’ve used Tactical Tailor suspended for about five years now and have not had to replace any hardware on them. They are about the same price as the others on the market and are great quality and American made.
As far as other equipment a good quality inexpensive knife.
I got a 'Slim Nebo' flashlight which is great for things that requir handsfree action. It has 2 magnets on it and a clip. So you can add it you your duty belt or put it on a Molly strap on your outside plate carrier.
Departments need to issue better optics for their patrol rifles.
Shea M my dept doesn’t issued rifles at all execot to swat. I use my own AR with an aimpoint PRO
I don’t know who talked more, the cricket, or u. Probably trying to say the glock is superior. Lol good video
You forgot the “coolcop” (body armor air conditioning) I work in Utah and it cools you down in the really hot summer and I use it in the winter to warm me up when I’m out in the cold for a long time.
I've seen what other folks have said but the big one for me is a quality thumb drive. Getting video from most of the newer camera systems at bars and businesses as well as some houses is much easier. I carry a sandisk cruzer that fits on my keys and a 32 gig drive is only 8 bucks or so on amazon.
How about a pocket copy of the Constitution which every LEO swears to protect but seldom understands.
@@baddriversofthenorcalarea500 What are you trying to say? List a few "exemptions".
One thing I feel is missing from this video is a personal safety light such as the one that is made by Guardian Angel. I have one that I personally bought working for my city plowing the roads during the winter, and I had many other drivers point out that they like the light due to the fact that it has multiple flash settings and it helps with more visibility for both you to see, and others to see you when you are out of the truck. I have the amber and white light so whenever I leave the truck to fix something when its snowing out I have the back lights (amber) flashing, and the front lights (white) steady burn to act as a hands free flashlight, and I feel that even when wearing high vis clothing, it helps more with drivers being able to see you in the snow.
In the winter months in the midwest, I find that cheap old cotton or flannel pajama/lounge pants worn under my duty pants are the greatest. They are much more comfortable and warmer than expensive long johns. They are very wind resistant and do not add hardly any bulk, but make sure they have a vent slot in the front for those bathroom trips from the 44 oz drinks. Also, for those long shifts, when I finally do make it home and have no energy to shower right that moment, I can flip off the duty pants quickly and be still semi dressed comfortable/affordable and wind resistant highly recommend.
A small tool kit for simple vehicle maintenance and other things required to do on the job. Possibly a floor jack as well for the squad car and to help citizens.
I was issued five combat shirts for Afghanistan. One was from Condor and the others were from Massif. The Condor shirt didn't fade a lot but the Massif shirts did. Crye Precision makes great quality combat uniforms but they are a little more expensive. UF Pro is another really good company that makes cold weather uniforms.
The Flexsmart x2 Bluetooth to FM transmitter has served me well for several years now.
Although this may not apply to everyone, here are some of the things I carry on shift that were not issued to me, some on my person and some in a bag I keep beside me...
1. Tourniquet on my person
2. Trauma shears; I double as an EMT
3. Rescue Tool such as the Boker Cop Tool
4. Trauma / Active Shooter Medical Kit
5. Puncture Resistant Gloves
6. Quality Knives; 1 Utility & 1 Fighting
7. Extra Large Flashlight for Night Shift so you have a defacto baton in hand beyond the smaller everyday light on my belt
8. CPR Mask in my bag
9. Technu Poison Oak Packets
10. Binoculars
Going along with the under layer of shirts would have to be a thermal layer for bottoms that are moisture wicking, helps with chaffing as well as sweat "down there"
After seeing this video (my husband told me to watch it due to Christmas and our anniversary coming up) I started thinking he does need quite a few things, good quality items, that his department doesn’t issue. Everything in the video would be amazing for him. He also always talks about how having hand sanitizer in the unit at all times would be perfect in case you deal with people that aren’t too clean. Another item would be a decent cheap camera considering in some court cases they might take your phone. Another item that really comes in handy is the pen style handcuff key he purchased himself.
Thanks for the content, but where do you start. 1) Quality high lumen flashlight. 2) Medical latex glove pouch. 3) Quality handcuff key. 4) Quality Ifak with combat guaze or equivalent with tourniquet of course.
I'd have to say a mic clip. Just ordered a "mic tight" off Amazon a while back and love it! My mic is never coming off my uniform, especially in a struggle, unless I take it off. I even ordered a few for a couple other officers and they love them! Really surprised departments dont issue or order them
Great list and I agree. I would just add a great field guide like the TacBook with all the cheatsheets on laws, codes and procedures.
I am in school right now. Our gear requirement is 5.11 tactical. They had us by cuffs however said nothing about getting a cuff holder. Also I had moments were I was unsure about however to wear my boot bands or my trouser blouser. I felt stupid once I figured it out.
A DASH MOUNTED GARMIN GPS ! One of THE MOST valuable things I had to buy for getting dispatched to areas I'm unfamiliar with and to show upcoming cross streets when I am calling in my stops in unfamiliar areas. Easier than trying to read street signs.
A standard issue, mollee webbing laces IFAK (individual first aid kit) im noticed a lot of bigger departments might. But usually mid-sized departments do not
Yes, a quality knife or a quality pry bar. Also I forget the name of the product, but a really cool product I recently saw, it is a little black light box that attaches to your shoulder lappells on your uniform shirt and provides led emergency flashing red/blue lights in a 360degree fashion when u need it or it provides a bright led white light that shines downward and is perfect light for hands free operation . It is an awesome light and very functionable.
Towels are a good way to help keep the sweat off you. Long hot summer days and nights where if you are anything like me, you sweat a lot. I always make sure I have a towel in my bag. I can go for rain as well to keep it from running down your face. Even a small wet wash like cloth in your cooler is a great idea. Just something to place on the back of your neck and keep your temperature down.
An ear piece for your radio. Not one of those crappy ones that just you just have to jam in and fidget with for the rest of your shift, but one that is comfortable and stays in all day/night long. I recommend the ones that mold to your ear!
I bought an outer carrier, and bought some different holsters to get my gear on the belt exactly how I wanted it. But I got everything I needed from my department before I headed to the academy.
My departments have been pretty good at issuing proper gear. It may not be the absolute best, but its not the worst by a long shot. The one thing I had to buy was a good flashlight. We are issued a good flashlight for indoor use (Streamlight Protac), but that light is not sufficient when you get on the road. I ended up purchasing a Streamlight Stinger HL for use on the highways at night.
A good decent watch, some fancy options out there but something solid that shows the date too is good.
This may not be a “piece of equipment” than can be issued per se, but I believe it is definitely a much needed item for those of us who sit in a patrol car with our waists adorned with the tools of our trade. How about having our squad car seats retrofitted with purpose-designed cutouts near the bottom of the back rest to accommodate for the back portion of our duty belt? This will ease the contact/pressure points of our lower back, reducing the risk of back problems as time goes by.
My department issues the basic uniform items, some of them are recycled from previous cops who quit or got fired. My biggest uniform item issues when i started back as an LEO was finding decent boots. I work 12 hour shifts and many times have to go over rough terrain to pick up drunk suspects. The 2 boots I initially bought out of pocket, didn’t last a full year. My Reebok boots were really comfortable, but got ripped on the side really easy and wore out quickly on the soles. My Galls boots shined easy for the academy, but are not comfortable for 12+hours. I’m also interested in the danner boots you have. I would defiantly pay $200 bucks for boots if I knew I would get my money back out of them. Thanks for this great channel!
Hey all! I would say definitely some sort of pen style handcuff key, the standard key just doesn't cut it, and is too small to safely and effectively use.
Shoals Yakkin' with Hatch cobra tuffskin makes a nice one