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Law Enforcement

What Is In Your Patrol Bag

Badge145 Staff
#patrol bag#police equipment#law enforcement#officer safety

What’s In Your Patrol Bag?

Every police officer has a patrol bag, but what’s inside can vary greatly depending on department policy, personal preference, and experience. What are the essential items that officers choose to carry beyond what’s issued by the department? This article explores some common and not-so-common items that officers find invaluable on the job.

Department Issued vs. Personal Supply

One of the biggest differences between police departments is the level of equipment they supply to their officers. Some agencies provide everything an officer could possibly need, while others offer only the bare minimum. Ideally, departments supply all necessary safety and first aid equipment, reducing the need for officers to purchase these items themselves. However, the quality of department-issued gear can sometimes be questionable.

Even when departments provide essential equipment, officers may still choose to supplement their gear with personal items. This could be due to concerns about quality, availability, or simply personal preference. For example, some departments keep first aid supplies in the trunk of patrol units, which can be inconvenient, especially in shared vehicles. Shared vehicles can become disorganized quickly, especially in departments where cruisers are in constant use, passed from one shift to the next.

Patrol Bag Essentials

Here are some items that officers often carry in their patrol bags, in addition to their department-issued equipment:

Modern Replacements

Many items that officers used to carry in their patrol bags have now been replaced by smartphones. The author mentions approximately 10 items that have become obsolete due to the capabilities of modern technology.

Patrol Bag Preferences

The ideal patrol bag size and style are matters of personal preference. Some officers prefer a larger, suitcase-sized bag, while others opt for something smaller and more compact. Similarly, the choice between an economical bag and a top-shelf option depends on individual needs and budget.

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