Police officers out in the field do many different things. Because they are so multifaceted, they need a lot of different equipment to get the job done. Some items are smaller than others, but they still have their unique purposes and are essential for the job. Read on to learn about the essential equipment that every police officer needs.
Multiple Cameras
Most on-duty police officers are now required to wear body cameras, but in addition to these cameras, they’ll also have a digital camera nearby. Documenting everything is important in the field, and there’s no better objective truth than videos and pictures. The body camera is powerful, but it can only capture so much. Having digital cameras on hand is helpful to document everything properly.
For example, for a case that a cop is working on, hard, physical evidence is the best thing that prosecutors can bring to the court. That’s true whether it’s a drug bust, an assault, or a public dispute. There will be testimonies, but having these pictures and videos will help to corroborate the truth and ensure that justice is served.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is a tool that every police officer needs, but you don’t see them use it too often. It’s more of a symbol that they need to do a better job of keeping the peace. In addition to pepper spray, officers also need pepper spray holders as a part of their duty gear. Without these holders and other parts of their tactical belts, they’d need to rummage around everything they have to find the pepper spray, losing precious time they can’t get back. In the emergencies they deal with, one or two seconds can make a significant difference, which is why pepper spray and these holders are so crucial.
A Medical Kit
In addition to tools for documenting evidence and de-escalating situations, police officers also need tools to help people, like medical kits. Police officers will have larger medical kits in their patrol cars if the situation necessitates it, but they’ll also typically wear some compact medical kits on their belts. These kits have gauze and gloves and are important for treating immediate medical needs they encounter. In addition to helping those in need, these kits are also useful if an officer hurts themself in the line of duty. A quick application of gauze can make a significant difference in lessening the impacts of a wound.
If you want to be a police officer, you’ll need all this essential equipment to get the job done. However, even with all this equipment, the job still isn’t easy. Every day, you’re going out there and putting your life on the line. Thankfully, this equipment makes that job just a little bit more manageable.
