Postioning of holders on Duty belt

S

Snake Eyes

Joined
Nov 7, 2001
Messages
4
This may sound a bit weird if not stupid, but i will ask it anyways. For the sake that no question is a stupid one. Anyhow, as a new Deputy for the Sheriffs Dept. i was just wonderin for all you veteran officers out there what is the proper positioning of "tools" on the duty belt. Of course our firearms are positioned on our dominate shooting side, but other then that where or what is the proper postioning of your nonlethal systems. I preferably put my OC spray, baton, radio, and light on my left side because i am right handed and my firearm is on my right. but i was wondering where is the proper position to put cuffs ? I really never knew the reasoning behind putting your cuffs in the back, as i have seen other veterans officers do , for the mere fact that you have the disadvantage of having one arm behind your back when putting into custody a suspect.
Isn't it more logical to put cuffs in the front of your belt where your arms can react faster in a confrontational situation ? Is there a non written rule why officers put cuffs in the back instead of the front?

Anyhow, just a thought that i wanted to get off my mind. any input is good input to me.
Thanks in Advance.
 
I'm doing security right now, and I'm constantly moving things around trying to figure it out.. I don't carry a gun right now, but I will be soon(as soon as I can afford to buy a gun, too many bills right now). Seems like most of the time I see the spare mags and handcuffs at the front of the belt, on either side of the buckle. Certainly easy to get to there. I guess it depends on what you want. Right now, I've got a glove pouch and a Zippo on the front, ASP, radio holder, leatherman and keys on the right side, cuffs in the back out of the way(although uncomfortable when they shift around on the belt), OC and flashight on the left side. I used to put my cell phone in my back pocket, but I just got a new one with a clip so now it goes on the belt in front of the ASP. I'm going to change it around a bit now, but the cuffs in the front and the gloves in the back(that'll make it a LOT easier to sit down!!), radio holder probably moving to the left and otherwise I kind of like it like that, leaves a bit of room for the gun. Then when I get the gun it will go on the right, spare mags in the front on the left of the buckle, and I'm not sure how the ASP will fit with the holster so it may move around a bit. I'll probably be getting a smaller ASP anyway. Right now I have the nickle-plated 26". As nice as it is, I'll probably get a 21" soon, partly because my dad took my 21" airweight... Just try moving things around until you like it and can get to everything easily and nothing is in the way of other stuff.


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Not having anything better to do, I just tried it. The cuffs in the front doesn't work too well for me, maybe it's the cuff holder. In the front there it hits me in the leg when I sit down, and if I try to lean forward it jabs me in the stomach. I guess I'll keep them in the back for a while longer. Maybe a different brand would hold them up higher where that wouldn't be a problem. I'll have to go dig out my catalogs and look.
 
Keep in mind I am lefty....to my left is a cuff strap, holster, second cuff strap and in the small of my back a latex glove pouch. On the right is a double magazine pouch, oc holder, radio holder,streamlight holster. First off you see I have no cuff cases, I hate them, and the double case is way too thick. I recocommend two sets of cuffs, even though we work with partners you will sometimes need more then two pairs. I put my PR24 holder on as needed. I also wear a shoulder mic for my radio, you can hear it better and keep it at a lower volume when you're being sneaky.
Nick
 
Quick side note: Weight before equipment: 175 pounds...Weight after:220 pounds...Which leads to:

Duty belts...Ugh...I have way too much stuff on mine...I'm right handed, so starting from the belt buckle:
--Peerless hinged cuffs (no holder)
--OC
--Beretta
--Keys
--chain cuffs in case
--empty space for back (NEVER PUT ANYTHING DIRECTLY BEHIND YOUR BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
--chain cuffs in case
--Surefire 6P in case
--small ring for Ultrastinger
--Radio
--ring for 26" baton
--double magazine case, worn vertically

Wow...

--dan
 
I wear my cuffs on the small of my back. Never had a problem. Some will say this is tactically incorrect but its what i prefer. I never cuff anyone before i have control of them so when i reach for my cuffs the fight is pretty much over. I have always worked with a partner and always in a big city, so backup was never that far away if needed. Those who work alone or in more rural areas may have different opinions though. I think you will soon see that you start to develop your own style and begin to do things your own way after you have some time on the job. Do what you are comfortable with. Everyone is different.---Kevin
 
1) Went you take you belt off, do you leave the stuff on it?

2) How do you keep stuff from shifting out of place?
 
The gear is left on the belt. Most of the stuff moves, but is put in place when the belt is put on. The holster has set screws so it will not move.
Nick
 
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