|
Police equipment consists of devices for offense as well as defense. The acts of offense, as far as police activity is concerned, are acts that they commit to defend others. However, to be able to so defend others, policemen should be, above all, fully equipped to defend themselves. That is why defense gear is given a lot of importance in police equipment.
 Bulletproof vest, or bulletproof jacket, is police equipment that covers the body portion above the waist, and offers the wearer protection from gunfire, knife stab, shrapnel from explosives, or hand grenades. This police equipment for defense is also known as ballistic vest and is commonly of two types. One is of a comparatively softer texture, while the other is reinforced with metal or ceramic, and is stronger. The need for either type will depend upon the threat level to which policemen in any given operation are exposed.
The stronger ballistic vest offers substantial protection even from rifle shots, and police personnel involved in hostage rescue operations use this police equipment routinely. Bulletproof vests come in many designs these days. Many of them include detachable pieces for ballistic protection to the neck area, for the groin, and for the arms. Some designs also have pouches, the number of which can be increased or decreased based upon user requirement.
Helmets are also police equipment necessary for defense. Policemen on routine duty use helmets but helmets are extra important during riot control, while checking explosives, or during hostage rescue. There are helmets known as riot helmets that extend down from the head round the neck, covering ears and the whole neck area. There are also riot duty helmets, which have an extra wire frame that surrounds the whole of the face portion providing additional protection to the face.
During hostage rescue, where there is a higher likelihood of exposure to bullets, police equipment would invariably include bulletproof helmets. Then there are bomb disposal helmets worn by those handling explosives. While investigating areas with chemical spillage or possible chemical threats, chemical suits will be a part of police equipment for defense.
Gas masks are police equipment that provides respiratory protection against all forms of atmospheric pollution. These may be used by armed policemen or unarmed first responders. Some gas masks come fitted with a drinking tube. The bullet proof vehicles that police use are larger units of police equipment for defense.
With a bulletproof police car, the glass on all sides will be bullet proof. Besides, these cars may also be equipped with glass bulletproof dividers within. When criminal suspects are being taken away in a police care, bulletproof dividers are necessary to separate them from the policeman who would be driving. There are bulletproof police vehicles that can carry hundreds of policemen. Above all, in unsafe places there could be complete bulletproof sentry posts, which is the police equipment for total protection.
|
