Police Duty Gear: 6 Supplies You Will Want on Patrol
New police officers often ask veteran police officers what equipment they need to bring with them on patrol. There’s no way to know what you want to carry until you work the street and learn what other officers think is essential equipment.
Every officer does the job a little differently, so the tools you need vary. Here is a list of supplies that will come in handy on the road along with some essential items and tactical gear.
Photo by Kindel Media
1. Duty Belt
A police officer’s duty belt is one of the most important things to bring on patrol. Now, you probably think that it’s a given and that no one could forget their duty belt. However, it’s easy to miss an essential piece of equipment that goes on your belt.
Your primary duty weapon probably isn’t kept on your belt, especially if you have kids. One of the first things most police officers do when they get home is to secure their weapon in a lockbox. It’s not unheard of for officers to report to duty without it. That’s a problem.
Getting ready for work takes more than just throwing some clothes on and getting in your car. It can be easy to forget something like your taser or pepper spray. Double-check everything before you leave the house.
2. Uniform and Comfortable Boots or Shoes
For the most part, the police agency you work for provides your uniforms. So, there’s no choice but to wear a department-issued uniform. Usually, you can pick your shoes or boots, and you want to pick something supportive and comfortable that you can wear for a long time. You may be on your feet for 12 hours and it’s difficult to perform your duties if your feet hurt too much.
One of the most important parts of your uniform is your police badge. It is a vital symbol of your authority and arrest powers. Often your court testimony includes explaining that you were in uniform showing your badge of authority when you arrest someone for a criminal offense. So, whether you pin your police badge to your shirt or wear it on your belt in a durable badge holder, your badge signals to others that you’re a police officer.
3. Backup Weapon
If your department allows it, you may want to wear a backup weapon strapped to your ankle. Some departments even issue backup firearms that you can carry on your person in case something happens to your primary duty weapon.
There’s nothing worse than encountering a mechanical malfunction with your gun while you are in the middle of a gunfight or searching for an armed suspect in a dark building. Or, if you suffer an injury involving your dominant hand, perhaps it’s easier to grab your backup weapon when you need a firearm.
4. Multiple Flashlights
Many departments issue at least two flashlights to officers. But, it doesn’t hurt to keep another one in your car or duty bag. You can never have too many flashlights, especially on the night shift, since one or two can die or malfunction at any time. Typically, a larger flashlight charges in your car while you wear one on your belt.
5. Extra Ammo
Ammo is another necessity that you need on the street. You can purchase some on your own for backup. You only truly miss ammo when you really need it, and by then, it might be too late.
6. An Accordion File Folder and Extra Pens
Often, one of the most shocking aspects of the job for new recruits is the amount of paperwork that police work entails. Officers always need to carry the documents and forms necessary for the job. Here are some examples of important documents to bring on patrol:
- Trespassing notices
- Summonses
- Reports
- Information pamphlets for citizens
- Tow forms
- Insurance monitoring forms
- Driver’s license suspension notices
- Traffic, civil, and criminal code cheat sheets
These are just a few examples of the paperwork most officers will have to handle on any given day. Some agencies have more documents and forms than others. An accordion file folder will allow you to find the documents you need quickly. Plus, you’ll need multiple pens. You may need to fill out some forms by hand, and it’s never good when your pen dies in the field.
Patrol Officer Checklist
Use our complete Patrol Officer Checklist to make sure you're prepared to report for duty. This handy checklist is broken down by category and is a helpful tool to prepare yourself.
These are just a couple of examples of some of the critical things you need on the street as a law enforcement officer. Shop LAPG to discover the tools that will make you a more efficient police officer.
