Police Gear Toughens with the Times

Of all the occupations that employ a uniform, the police officer is one of the most widely recognized outfits due to the amount of police gear needed in order to not only protect and serve the general public, but also the keep himself or herself safe from harm.

What gear an officer wears is determined by what type of officer he or she happens to be and what department they work in. One department may determine that a uniform, gun, extra magazines, a baton, portable radio, pepper spray, body armor and handcuffs to be a complete set of police gear. Some officers may also decide to purchase additional police gear, such as tasers or small flashlights as additional safety precautions. In all cases, officers will need a rig or belt to hold all of their gear.

The need for additional items on a police officer's duty belt has increased as crime has increased over the years. One look at the "Sam Browne belt" of the 1950's compared to a nylon or leather fully outfitted belt today and one can see the vast difference between the role of an office of the peace and an officer of the law.

When looking at an officer of the law, most of these items are never within view, but police gear is always within easy reach for the protection of the officer and the general public. Officers must also be trained and skilled at wearing their uniform, gear and belt without feeling or looking awkward under the weight of so many items.

An officer's patrol vehicle is for all intents and purposes their office most of the time and contains the rest of the police gear they will need in most situations. Other items may include a shotgun, rifle or both; a fingerprint, crime scene and sometimes drug testing kit; measuring tape or wheel; first aid kit and fire extinguisher; traffic vest and cones; barrier tape and flares; and a camera and voice recorder.

Some officers do not wear a uniform or drive a squad car, but will carry police gear, just the same. These are known as plainclothes officers or detectives. Another group of officers do not wear uniforms, drive a squad car nor carry any gear for their own protection. These are undercover officers who are assuming a role in a gang, group or association in order to understand the criminal activity of it's members. However, for most officers, there is a considerable amount of police gear to consider.