Law enforcement equipment

When an officer is out on the street, he or she needs heavy-duty, reliable and effective equipment. Without the proper tools, an office is open to attack and vulnerable. This is why it is imperative every time an officer begins a shift the equipment they use is checked and rechecked.

The majority of the law enforcement equipment used by an officer is held around the duty belt. The standard issue equipment attached to the officer’s duty belt includes the duty pistol, which is worn on the dominant side of the officer. Extra magazines for the pistol are also carried. A taser is another essential piece of law enforcement equipment. A taser is used to incapacitate the suspect when lethal methods are not deemed necessary. The taser will induce involuntary muscle spasms in the suspect, rendering them unable to escape. Carried with the taser are extra cartridges.

Less lethal law enforcement equipment carried by an on-duty officer include pepper spray, CS gas, handcuffs, flashlight, gloves, multi-tool, radio, baton, pen and keys. The overall weight of a duty belt is roughly 15lbs and this can put strain on the officer’s lower back. Some officers will wear duty belt braces that distribute some of the weight from the lower back to the shoulders. The overall weight of an officer when they are in full uniform carrying all law enforcement equipment is on average 25lbs heavier. Any relief from carrying this extra weight for such a long period is welcome. Many officers develop back issues during their service, so even distribution of weight is essential.