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Police Gear

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Detective Lieutenant Barry M. Baker (ret.) is a 32 year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department.

Police gear for a Baltimore police officer circa 1965 consisted of a Colt .38 caliber revolver, an espantoon (nightstick) and handcuffs. Individual foot patrol officers formed the bulk of Baltimore’s patrol force. When an officer made an arrest, he’d have to walk his prisoner to the nearest call box to call for the paddy wagon.

In 1966, all this began to change. Donald D. Pomerleau became Baltimore’s Police Commissioner, and he embarked on a modernization process. By 1971 when I joined the department, Baltimore was at the forefront of modern policing. The patrol force was entirely motorized, and the few foot officers remaining were equiped with portable radios (walkie-talkies).

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The Evolution of Police Gear and Technolgy

Police gear and technology cannot be separated, because the gear cannot develop and improve without technological advancements. Commissioner Pomerleau warned early on that his modernization process would result in a massive increase in crime. The result would not occur from actual crime, but the result would come from accurate reporting of crime.

In 1965, the Baltimore patrolman would carry a folded FORM 95 inside his hat. On occasion when the officer decided to write a report, he would tell the story on the all-purpose form. This was the state of Baltimore’s crime reporting system. The modernization would create a sophisticated crime reporting system, and it would validate Pomerleau’s prediction.

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The Pace of Evolution

The 1970’s would see a transformation in police mobility; radio communications; response times, and administrative and crime reporting processes. Elsewhere, the basic tools of the job didn’t move much beyond the gun; nightstick, and handcuffs. A cannister of chemical mace was added to the gun belt, but it’s usefulness was often up for debate.

The 1980’s would see a significant advancement in police gear. The bullet proof vest was a goal for decades, but the proper materials and weight precluded comfort for continuous use. Kevlar, a fabric developed in 1965, would come of age, and it would make the bullet proof vest a reality.

Secure holster technology began in the 1980’s, and individual officers could invest in the products. Police departments began issuing secure holsters by the end of the decade when revolvers were replaced by high ammunition capacity pistols.

These two events could arguably be the most important advancements in police gear. No one can be certain how many lives have been saved, but one can be certain many have been saved.

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Less than Lethal

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police gear
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police gear
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Firearms Police Gear

police gear
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This may not be a comforting thought to contemplate, but if you ever have to use your service pistol, it will probably be a sudden, up front and personal confrontation. There is a good part to this. If you’re one of the poor marksmen, the normal skills required for qualification won’t be that critical.

Beretta USA Firearms. Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta is a privately held Italian firearms manufacturing company operating in several countries. Its firearms are used worldwide for a variety of civilian, law enforcement, and military purposes. Wikipedia.

Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC is an American firearms manufacturer, founded in 1855 by Samuel Colt. It has become a subsidiary of Czech holding company Colt CZ Group. It is the successor corporation to Colt’s earlier firearms-making efforts which started in 1936. Wikipedia.

Franchi Firearms – Shotguns and Rifles. Luigi Franchi S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of firearms, a division of Beretta Holding. Franchi products include the military SPAS-12 and SPAS-15 and the sporting-type long-recoil action AL-48. Franchi manufactures over and under, and semi automatic shotguns. Wikipedia.

Glock Ges.m.b.H. is a light weapons manufacturer headquartered in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria, named after its founder, Gaston Glock. The company makes popular polymer-framed pistols, but it also produces field knives, entrenching tools, horse related products and apparel. Wikipedia.

Heckler & Koch GmbH is a German firearms manufacturer that produces handguns, rifles, submachine guns, and grenade launchers. The company is located in Oberndorf am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg, and it also has subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. Wikipedia.

Police Gear - Firearms

O. F. Mossberg & Sons is an American firearms manufacturer, specializing in shotguns, rifles, scopes, and pistol accessories. Wikipedia.

Remington Tactical Shotguns. Remington Arms Company, LLC, was an American manufacturer of firearms and ammunition. It was formerly owned by the Remington Outdoor Company, which went bankrupt in 2020 with its lines of business sold to several purchasers. Wikipedia.

Ruger Firearms. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., better known by the shortened name Ruger, is an American firearm manufacturing company based in Southport, Connecticut. Production facilities are also located in Newport, New Hampshire; Mayodan, North Carolina; and Prescott, Arizona. Wikipedia.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. is an American firearm manufacturer headquartered in Maryville, Tennessee, United States. Wikipedia.

SIG Sauer Firearms, Ammunition, Optics and Suppressors. We build the toughest, most precise rifles, pistols, suppressors, optics, ammunition, and airguns, while offering the finest firearms training.

Tauras USA. Welcome to Taurus USA where innovation lives. We combine rugged craftsmanship with next gen design & engineering to create quality firearms.

Police Gear

Body Armor

police gear
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Baltimore was one of the first major police departments to issue soft body armor in the 1980s. The vest consisted of a single Kevlar panel for the front only, and it was rated as a level I or type I. This rating prevented penetration by .22 caliber; .25 caliber; .32 caliber, and .380 caliber bullets.

Ace Link Armor is a provider of advanced body armor solutions, specializing in cutting-edge protective gear for law enforcement, military, and civilian use. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer service, Ace Link Armor is committed to offering the best in body armor technology.

Atomic Defense is a manufacturer and supplier of military-grade bulletproof vests. Shop with us for civilian access to the types of vests that police officers and military forces trust in combat situations. We develop concealable body armor using dependable materials like AD Aramid, steel, ceramic and polyethylene (PE). Our lightweight vests offer mobility and ballistics protection spanning the National Institue of Justice’s highest standards. 

BulletProofZone maintains the highest standards and guidelines for all bulletproof vests, bulletproof clothing, bulletproof backpacks, body armor and all other tactical and safety/defense products featured on our store.

BulletSafe provides those who protect and serve with the products that help keep our country safe. We have a dedicated team to meet the needs of city, county, state, and federal departments/agencies. Our team of experts is committed to helping you find the right solutions for your needs.

EnGarde® is proud to serve thousands of clients worldwide, supplying them with the highest quality body armor products on the market today. Our customers include law enforcement, elite military units and private security forces.

Police Gear - Body Armor

Point Blank Body Armor (PBBA) is recognized as one of the first companies in the United States to design and manufacture body armor. Since 1973, Point Blank has grown into an internationally diversified company with the most visible brand recognition.

Premier Body Armor offers a selection of the best bulletproof vests for everyone from executives to law enforcement. All of our Level IIIA vests are NIJ Certified. We manufacture in the United States from domestically sourced materials to produce the highest quality products available.

SafeGuard Clothing offers comfortable and breathable carriers, featuring bulletproof ballistic panels adapted for wearing under clothes. Our covert bullet proof vests can remain almost invisible to all but the wearer. Full bullet protection up to NIJ level IIIa available, and edged-blade level 2 and spike level 2 protection available on selected models.

Spartan Armor Systems maintains control of every step in the creation of our body armor products—from raw materials to the finished product. This complete oversight ensures unparalleled quality, all made right here in the USA. 

UARM is your destination for top-tier protective gear. We take pride in offering a range of body armor solutions that cater to the needs of our customers. Whether you’re in the military, law enforcement or seeking personal protection, UARM has you covered.

Police Gear

Ballistic Shields

police gear
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Defenshield Inc. The Ultimate Guide to Ballistic Shields. Whether it’s a high-risk search warrant or a hostage rescue mission, a ballistic shield is an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety of those in the line of duty. 

FoxFury Guide to Ballistic Shields (Protection and Uses). Ballistic shields, also known as bunker shields and ballistic blankets, are used when armed resistance is expected. They are specifically designed to stop bullets and dangerous projectiles. 

Stand 1st – Non Profit Organization. The purpose and objective of developing the Stand 1st Foundation is to provide tools, resources, assistance, and support for law enforcement officers and their families. 

Ambitec engineers create high-quality SWAT and SRT tactical shields. These shields are designed with the highest quality materials like lightweight ceramic and steel, and they can be used conveniently with LED lights, firearms, and other necessary accessories.  Some even come with wheels for the ultimate protection.

Battlesteel offers our own line of tactical ballistic shields, and we count military, police and private citizens among our customers. Whether you’re looking for a small, handheld shield to defend yourself at home, or a heavy-duty Level III shield with a viewport, browse our website today for top-quality tactical defense equipment.

Police Gear - Ballistic Shields

Blueridge Armor custom armor shields and bunkers offer all of the features law enforcement needs to effectively manage any threat level; from active shooter situations, riots, crowd control, and animal attacks, to forced entry, and more.

Dana Safety Supply provides the products you need, backed by decades of hands-on experience in law enforcement. With national reach, local support, and deep industry connections, we’re your single source for emergency vehicle equipment, installations, tactical gear & apparel.

Pro-Tech Sales provides the newest, highest-quality equipment to law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. Over the years, Pro-Tech Sales has added more than 40 manufacturers to the list of companies we represent. Our product lines enable us to offer you and your agency complete, affordable, and easy-to-use equipment systems.

RTS Tactical understands the challenges, and we are always exploring new technologies to improve products. We will ensure access to the latest advancements in gear and armor.

Security PRO USA helps protect the people who protect us. We provide the security industry’s most comprehensive selection of advanced detection, inspection and prevention products and services.

Police Gear

Becoming a Police Officer

An Insider's Guide to a Career in Law Enforcement by Barry M. Baker

Choosing A Police Department
Police Hiring Process
Police Academy
Police Report Writing

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