Police Gear

Joined
May 24, 2009
Messages
161
To all of you Civilian Police and MP's, I have a huge question! I am looking for some gear that isn't going to break the bank, but is going to work, work well, and work for a long time! The items I am searching for are:
Gloves(I have heard kevlar is good, but i know there are other options)
M9 Holster(Has to be specific for Berreta M9, MP issued one. beyond that, its all good)
Flashlight(No huge Mag-lite or anything.I need something small, high lumens, and strong)
Kubaton(I have been told that these are authorized, and it looks like a good back up tool)

If any of you have any suggestions, please tell me brands, prices, and where I can find them. i have checked copquest, as well as usstandardissue, but i want to make sure that i get good equipment that will last for my career as an MP in the Army. Thank you all for your help!
 
Web gear or leather or resin?

Safariland seems to hold up well. Bianchi Accumold is good stuff. Kinda of depends on what you're allowed to wear and also the finish - plain, basketweave, clarino etc.

I like my Hatch gloves with the kevlar lining but I'll warn you - if you ge the knit-like puncture proof gloves and screw around with them checking them out with your knife, you'll start breaking individual threads and eventually get a hole in them. Stick with the Hatch.

Probably want a Streamlight rechargeable or a Sure-fire CR123 battery type. The Pelican 7600 is a really nice light for me too.

If you only intermittently need a light, Streamlight Scorpions are good. I like the Pelican 7600 because I work a lot of graveyard and it throws a nice beam and lights up the back of a semi light daytime. I also just picked up a Surefire 6PX-B-BK. It has a dual action (?) switch where you switch between 15 lumens and 200 lumens every time you activate the on switch. You can constant on at both settings too.

If you don't need an extremely bright light you might look into Streamlight's dual beam (?) lights. They have two D and two C cell models. They usually have one or two settings of LED lights and then a regular Xenon bulb.

Doesn't the Army issue you this gear though? And although you didn't ask - stick with Peerless or ASP handcuffs.
 
I was an MP when Custer was a 2nd LT so things have changed. I'd be surprised if non-standard gear was allowed/encouraged..something like UNIFORM sticks in mind. I've heard but don't know that snipers pick out targets that stand out from the herd..everyone wears black tennies, shoot the guy wearing red. The only personal gear I owned were Cochran jump boots..I was a "leg" but they did take a nice shine.
 
For the gloves, IMHO, I dont like the Kevlar. I can't feel anything when I'm frisking someone. Plus, they don't protect against stabbing, only slicing. And I'm more worried about getting stuck by a needle than getting sliced. I like cheap gloves, so if I have to search a nasty crack head and really muck up my gloves, I can toss em without too much heartache. A lot of guys use mechanics gloves or batting gloves. I also prefer thinner gloves cause it's easier to manipulate your weapon with thin gloves as opposed to thick ones.

Surefire makes a great long lasting flashlight. For regular duty we used to have streamlight and that thing always dies on me when I needed it most so I rarely used it. The rechargeable Pelican is a great choice though. Those lithium cr 123 batts are not cheap, so make sure you get an LED light as they don't drain batts as quick.

I've been a LEO for 8 years and I've found what works for me. But there's always new stuff and a lot of guys in this line of work are gear whores and they like tryin the latest and greatest super gear. Good luck findin what works for you and if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask. Hope I helped a little.
 
@Unk
This is strictly for Garrison Duty, and we do get issued our flashlights, no gloves, and the holsters are suicide holsters. the flashlights are small bats, big ol' maglites. my unit is very very poor and apparently tossed the last of our good holsters because they were taking up space in storage?? anywhoot, but yeah, we have been "encouraged" to purchase our own gear because we might end up relying on our second-chance vest(which has no plates or anything in it, btw...those got thrown away too) if we don't upgrade.
 
Though I've been in police work for 40+ years, can't give you much recommendation... My departments have always issued everything and there is no option... If they issue, you carry.

We are currently issuing the "Gould & Goodrich" gear. This seems to be of reasonable quality and I've been using the same set for about 5 years now. The first-generation holsters had some failure problems (they would crack at the belt-loop) but the new ones seem fine. They are available for all weapons as far as I know. They use a "threat level 2" design that's reasonably quick and reasonably secure as well.
This is synthetic gear, you don't have to worry about sweat deterioration or cracking or whatever. Mine still looks absolutely new...
 
I recommed a great flashlight to you. I'm sure it's the right flashlight you are looking for. It's 310 Lumens CREE XP-G R5 LED*flashlight Xeccon M2.This is a kind of high-end intelligent flashlight. It's specially designed with magnetic controlled ring, there are five modes, you can choose the brightness level as your need, with orange peel aluminum reflector, you can get more perfect beam. Due to its excellent waterproof, no matter you are in the land or in deep water, of great performance, it will be your best buddy.
 
I have had good luck with Uncle Mikes for my Beretta 92FS for personal CCW. They are inexpensive & guarenteed for life. I have also had good luck with SureFire flashlights. You can spend as little or as much as you want for them, from $39-over $3000.
 
Flashlight(No huge Mag-lite or anything.I need something small, high lumens, and strong)
i have two main suggestions for you here:

1: Fenix TK-45. it's not tiny, but it aint huge. it puts out a retina melting 760 Lumens on max power. the only 'downside' is the wide beam spread of ~74 degrees with a ~14 degree central spot in it. if you need to light up HUGE areas, this is a fantastic torch. if you want a spotlight, look elsewhere.

2: 4Sevens Quark AA^2 (or 123^2). these are small (like, 2xAA Maglite small) and punch out ~200'ish lumens. solid light and i'd be happy using one as a Kubaton.
 
I have been in Police and Security services for 7 years now. The best flashlight that I have carried is the Streamlight Strion. Reachable, grate lumens, small and sturdy.
• Anodized machined aircraft aluminum case
• Borofloat high temperature glass lens
• C4 LED technology, impervious to shock with a 50,000 hour lifetime
• Run time: high: Up to 2 continuous hours, medium: Up to 4 continuous hours, low: Up to 7.5 continuous hours, strobe: Up to 5.5 continuous hours
• 5-1/4-Inch length

The best holster I have used are from the company Blade Tech, there stuff is incredibly well made, and made to last.

The best holster I have used are from the company Blade Tech, there stuff is incredibly well made, and is made to last.


As far as Kubatons, these are available from Plaza Cutlery, there made of titanium. I have had one for more than a year it looks like it will last forever.
 
I use safari land for my holster. Bianchi for my belt, and cases. Stream light rechargeable led stinger.
 
I was an MP when Custer was a 2nd LT so things have changed. I'd be surprised if non-standard gear was allowed/encouraged..something like UNIFORM sticks in mind.

Unk, the kids today are light-years ahead of what we were way back. Training is better from the start, equipment is better and the troops appear to have a little more lattitude in what they use. And I would hazard a guess that the pay is a bit better too!
 
Are you active or guard? I only ask because you talk about your unit being poor and that makes me think they are state funded. I'm in aviation Active Army and to me it looks as most of the MPs are all carrying the same thing, what they are issued. Everyone else wears what they want, I've even seen some irresponsible officers stick them in their belt, so you may be able to get away with whatever you want. Back home I carry in an Uncle Mike's open top kydex paddle holster. Regardless you should be issued something. The flashlight I carry is a Surefire X2 with the Pushbutton adapter on the back. I love it and it was around 40 bucks. Good luck!

And I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but if you are looking at civilian holsters, look for one that fits a Berretta 92. You wont find ones for M9's.
 
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