Walking into a volatile situation, an officer relies on training, teamwork and tools to get through the call safely. What is carried on the belt can make all the difference in how the situation will be resolved. If you have the right gear at hand to react properly and quickly, you can make sure that you are the one in control of the situation.
Here is some of the best duty belt gear available for the modern cop’s duty belt.
ASP Talon Air
Lightweight and durable, the Talon Air from ASP is secured open with the Disc Loc system and closes with the push of a button. The 19.7-inch model weighs a mere 11.2 ounces. MSRPs run from $130 to $150 depending on the model length.
For more information, visit asp-usa.com or call 800-236-6243.
ASP Tri-Fold Restraints
ASP Tri-Fold disposable restraints allow officers to safely detain multiple people at a turbulent scene. A single, narrow duty belt holster holds a pair of Tri-Folds yet takes up less space than a single standard handcuff pouch. The MSRP for a pack of six is $24.
For more information, visit asp-usa.com or call 800-236-6243.
BlackHawk Ergonomic Duty Belt Harness
Designed to relieve the stress of a heavy-duty belt, the Ergonomic Duty Belt Harness from BlackHawk runs under the duty uniform to prevent it from becoming a hazard in a fight or chase. It is completely adjustable for all body sizes. Its MSRP is $79.99.
For more information, visit blackhawk.com.
CASCO Friction-Lock Batons
CASCO Friction-Lock batons are economically priced, collapsible impact weapons that are available in lengths of 16, 21 and 26 inches. The batons are sold individually and in kits that include a duty belt holster. MSRPs start at $65.
For more information, visit safariland.com/lesslethal or call 800-347-1200.
Eleven 10 Rigid TQ Case
Medical gear company Eleven 10 is now making a rigid tourniquet case for duty belts. The Rigid TQ Case holds one CAT-type tourniquet, ensuring that an officer will always have one at hand should it be needed. Its MSRP is $38.99.
For more information, visit 1110gear.com or call 888-216-4049.
Helios Cyclops
The Cyclops from Helios Systems is a universal-fit tactical flashlight holder for law enforcement duty belts. In addition to holding many different brands of lights, the Cyclops is designed to provide a fast draw and to be mounted in many different positions on the belt. Its MSRP is $29.95.
For more information, visit helios-sys.com or call 800-808-7114.
Hiatt Oversized Handcuffs
Designed for use on suspects with larger-than-normal wrists, the oversized steel chain handcuffs from Hiatt offer additional security through the use of three independent retaining bars with six teeth on each. The MSRP is $35.
For more information, visit hiatts.com.
KA-BAR TDI
Concealed by the duty belt, the KA-BAR TDI law enforcement knife is worn on the inner belt and gives a police officer fast access to a lethal tool to help defeat a gun grab. The curved shape allows an officer to wield it easily with either hand. Its MSRP is $61.38.
For more information, visit kabar.com or call 800-282-0130.
Streamlight ProTac HL3
Boasting 1,100 lumens, the ProTac HL3 from Streamlight puts an amazingly powerful flashlight on the officer’s duty belt. It is waterproof and runs on three CR123A batteries. Its MSRP is $155.
For more information, visit streamlight.com or call 800-523-7488.
SureFire P2ZX Fury
With 500 lumens at the tap of a switch, the compact P2ZX Fury from SureFire will provide a patrol officer ample light for nearly any law enforcement task. On two CR123A batteries, the light will run for about 90 minutes. Its MSRP is $175.
For more information, visit surefire.com or call 800-828-8809.
Taser X2 Defender
The high-tech X2 Smart Weapon is the latest conducted-electrical weapon from TASER. It has two cartridges, allowing an officer to fire a follow-up shot should the first miss or be ineffective. Its MSRP is $999.95.
For more information, visit taser.com or call 800-978-2737.
TerraLUX TT-5
Waterproof, rugged and bright all describe the TT-5 tactical flashlight from TerraLUX. It puts out 650 lumens with more than two hours of runtime on a pair of CR123 batteries. The light comes with a grip ring and a lifetime warranty. Its MSRP is $139.99.
For more information, visit terraluxportable.com or call 303-442-4960.