5 Things POLICE Departments DON'T ISSUE That COPS Need

Every department should order and issue Guardian angel devices.

The 6th thing that departments don’t issue is Ortho Home Defense insect killer to get rid of those annoying crickets. 😂😆😂🤣🤪

Every cop needs a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Driving around during shift here in Texas you can dam near go blind by all the light reflections coming off other cars.

Crappy pens for when you don’t want that pen back.

Two items my department doesn’t issue, I’m sure others don’t either, are a good tourniquet holder and a pen size universal handcuff key.

Not highest on the priority list, but very helpful: a standalone GPS device/display. Mine is set up to show the next upcoming cross street. I don't use the navigation function. It is very helpful in dark residential areas when you are not familiar with the beat and need to put out a location over the radio.

I've been in law enforcement for 23 years and have found time and time again that a good bit driver set and small socket set have been very handy (be for seizing a license plate or for taking a panel loose while searching a vehicle). The thing is I've never had an agency supply any tools and have always had to supply my own. I also have to supply my own bolt cutters, sledge hammer (cut down of course) and small axe myself. Yes, we do have to remove a tree from the roadway every now and then.

A good multi tool on your belt is a lifesaver....Leatherman is my favorite!!

My agency issues a quality flashlight but some sort of compact body mounted light to keep your hands free makes night shift so much more manageable. I've tried several, but my favorite (and the one currently mounted to my shoulder) is a Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II. Its mounted to my armor on the right shoulder and allows me to use white light or red or blue for low light use. Even has IR, but I'm not that operator. The blue also allows me to cancel out the red in-car lighting if I'm trying to read red text on some of our paperwork.

A pen style handcuff key. Most departments just issue standard small handcuff keys almost impossible to use with gloves.

One thing that most don't issue is a C.A.T tourniquet. I think everybody should have basic medical gear

Dog food and dog treats. You never know when you will need it lol

From a 17 year veteran, I would say u have hit the nail on the head with all this gear. Great job keep up the good work

Individual first aid kits!! Everything that covers the M.A.R.C.H algorithm MASSIVE HEMORRHAGE AIRWAY RESPIRATORY CIRCULATION HYPOTHERMIA/HEAD INJURY And the training to go with it, I believe every LEO should have a tourniquet and trauma kit on their person that fits in the duty belt issued by their department

Seasonal boots. Vented light weight boots for the summer, and still vented but water proof boots for the winter.

If there’s anything that needs to be added to this list it would be a comfortable pair of boots. A 100% necessity for any officer working the roads or working a detail.

Great video I've been using the cooler for the last 8 years not having to buy stuff when thirsty or hungry is where its at. Plus you never know when you'll get a break to eat or drink. Stay safe out there!!

OK true story here......….. In 1980 straight out of High School I enlisted in the ARMY. I completed basic training and Military Police school and received my orders to Ft. Irwin Ca. Irwin in the middle on the Mohave Desert 40 miles outside of Barstow Ca. In Jan 1981when I arrived we were issued a Colt 191, two 7 round mags with rounds, a small note pad and one pen. That was it. No holster, cuffs, baton, belt, flashlight, badge nor arm band. I mean nothing at all. We were told to borrow gear from the shift we were reliving or carry the weapon and mag in our pocket. A few of the "older" guys who had been reassigned from other posts had gear but would not loan it out to us E1s. I was lucky and had a car so my first off days I was able to drive into LA and pick up gear for myself. The onwer of the store took pity on me and set me up with a nice used leather duty belt with all the trimmings for 25 bucks. I added a 4 D cell Maglite and a set of S&W cuffs and I was out the door. As I was walking out the door he handed me an old cloth MP arm band and tossed in 5 sets of military surplus belts with old 1911 flap holsters to share with others in need. . It was over a year be for the PM's office was able to get us real issue gear. I did share my Mag light with a guy when I was not working nights just made him buy his own batteries They are a bit out dated but I still have the Maglite and cuffs.

In my one year and eight months of law enforcement, I have found it beneficial to put a dog leash and a few treats in my bag. There’s nothing harder than attempting to get a stray or run away dog to approach you! Treats will establish a quick friendship and the leash will ensure that they don’t get away.

I'm going to throw a curveball for this one... I work at a local PD as an intern in the traffic bureau, hoping to get hired by them when the Chief puts the next test out. That being said, I assist with a plethora of details that they do. One of the problems we would have when investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash would be photographing the scene. One of the officers was extremely proficient at photography like myself. However, despite his knowledge, the camera he was using simply would not produce the quality photos needed to attach to a report. The camera we had been using was a DSLR and it was over 15 years old. This fall we upgraded to a new camera that allows more manipulation of settings to take the highest quality photos. MVC scenes (and all other scenes for that matter) are hectic. Everyone has their red and blues on, TA's going, flashlights. With the new mirrorless cameras that shoot in 4K and 1080p, we are able to get greater detail in our photos which aid in closing a case. Detectives and other types of investigators should have the top photography equipment. Photography in police work is highly overlooked until someone sees a bad photo and wonders why it looks the way it does.