A police duty belt (sometimes referred to as a gun belt, "duty rig" and/or kit belt[1]) is a belt, typically constructed of nylon or leather used by police, prison and security officers to carry equipment easily in a series of pouches attached to the belt, in a readily-accessible manner, while leaving the hands free to interact. This belt can carry any number of useful items, ranging from handcuffs to guns.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit longkui.
The duty belt came into use in the early s, in lieu of carrying the required equipment in greatcoat pockets or additional bags. These early types were almost exclusively made of dark colored leather with simple pockets or clip systems attached, such as the Sam Browne belt. However, there are some issues with the use of a duty belt, with the large amount of equipment carried on modern duty belts often weighing more than 20 lbs (9 kg).
Many police forces in the United Kingdom began with a uniform consisting of a swallow-tail coat and top hat.[2] A pillbox or kepi hat along with a frock coat were introduced in the s, along with helmets designed especially for protection against attack and the weather.[2] Truncheons themselves had been introduced as early as ,[3][4] however it was not until that police forces in the UK started to nationally standardize their uniform prompting the introduction of the duty belt to contain such equipment,[5] instead of previously having their staff carry equipment in their handbags or adapted pockets. In the case of the earliest equipment carrying, a cutlass or firearm was usually clipped to the belt of the frock coat. In fact pockets themselves were not introduced until the early s in some cases.[6]
Before duty belts, British female officers carried their truncheons, which were shorter than the male version, in their handbags along with their police notebook as a matter of routine. Male officers carried handcuffs, whereas female officers were not permitted to without special permission.[7] During the s and s, the Sam Browne belt was in popular use by police officers in the USA.
Most duty belts have a width of 2+1&#;4 inches and are either made of ballistic nylon or leather.[8][9] Many Canadian police departments have had officers complain[10][11] of having back pain due to their supposedly rigid leather belts. In response, many Canadian departments are now switching to nylon belts because they are considered by some to be more flexible. The Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), the second largest municipal police service in Canada,[12] gave a contract to a consulting firm in order to find more ergonomic solutions.
In Australia, instead of belts the WA Police are trending towards wearing vests with more equipment in them than belts due to back problems, and maneuverability.[13] Older belts used to fail under the weight of whatever was carried; recently, manufacturers have introduced double-ply belts which retain their shape and can withstand the weight of the equipment.
Nylon duty gear is generally less expensive, lighter, and easier to maintain than leather gear of comparable quality. However, leather gear is generally regarded as having a more traditional and professional appearance. To combine the best of both materials, companies like Bianchi manufacture nylon duty gear that has the appearance of leather.
The most common color for duty belts in service with law enforcement personnel and security officers is black; however, there is some variation. In some instances, brown leather is used in place of black, which is generally only chosen for cosmetic purposes &#; usually because it is more suited to the color scheme of the officers' uniforms.
Duty belts wrap around the officer's waist and fasten with a buckle at the front. This is often protected by a velcro cover to prevent release of the belt by anyone other than the officer.
In the past, many belts would sag and move around while around the waist while an officer was engaging in a physical activity. Belt keepers wrap around the duty belt and trouser belt, ensuring that the belt stays in place, even when the officer is taking something from the belt or engaging in an altercation with a suspect.[14]
Belt suspenders allow the wearer to move a portion of the weight of the belt onto the shoulders, reducing the weight imposed on the lower back.[14] This also means that the belt does not have to be worn as tightly, cutting down on pressure exerted on the stomach and waist area. However, there are also safety concerns over suspenders, as they can be used against the officer in the event of a struggle, but newer versions such as break off act like a clip-on tie when pulled, reducing the risk of any injury to the officer.
Traditionally, belts have been fastened using a metal buckle; however, this type is changing for a number of reasons. Now plastic buckles are more common, and many incorporate a three-way buckle system for added security. An example of this is the 'Coplock' system, which requires the wearer to depress a third release catch before the buckles may be separated; this is to decrease the chance of the belt being released by anyone but its wearer.
Plastic buckles are often favored over the traditional metal versions, because when in use it is much easier to adjust the length of the belt to suit the officers' natural curves, whereas with the metal belt buckles it was only possible to have the belt at pre-set lengths, determined by the position of the holes in the belt, therefore making it difficult to suit an officer personally.
Equipment commonly carried on the belt includes: handcuff, radios, baton, hand-held protection devices such as pepper spray, firearms and ammunition, taser, flashlights, batteries, gloves, pens, pencils, keys, multi-tool, window punch etc. The equipment carried largely differs from country to country, and between areas in the same country not only because of choice but natural hazards &#; e.g. pepper spray would freeze in very cold climates. In some countries officers carry a knife.[9][14]
Main article: Handgun holsterA handgun holster securely holds the officer's firearm. It has between one and three locking points to keep the gun in place and may have a cord attached to the firearm to prevent theft of the weapon.
The radio pouch securely holds the officer's portable personal radio or handheld transceiver (HT).
There are 2 popular radio pouch designs. The first consists of an L-shaped bar which the radio rests on, and is secured by a loop around the middle of the radio.
The second is a two-piece design consisting of a radio pouch and a swivel. The radio is held in the pouch by a loop over the top, then the pouch is attached to the belt by a swivel. This design allows the radio to be easily removed from the belt for handheld use.
Often, an external speaker microphone is attached to the radio, usually clipped to the officer's uniform shirt.
Recently, in-ear monitoring has become more common, with a smaller lapel microphone clipped to the shirt. This in-ear system supplements or replaces the older lapel microphone. A 'Push to Talk' button is usually located at the radio, or extended to a separate switch located elsewhere on the officer.
Handcuffs are commonly carried at many different locations on the belt, and using a variety of pouches, such as open and closed top holders and handcuff loops.
Recently, concerns have been aired that carrying handcuffs on the back of the belt may be unsafe, due to the pressure exerted on the small of the back by the cuffs and case, while seated. Although this may not be a problem for beat officers, who patrol an area on foot, this can cause severe problems in vehicle-based 'response' officers. Over time, the handcuff case may cause a rupture in the L-5 disc of the back [citation needed], and cause pinching of the Sciatic nerve &#; thus numbing the officer's left leg, severely affecting his or her running ability.
Some officers choose to carry their handcuffs in the small of back position, but do not utilize a handcuff case, meaning that one side of the handcuffs is pushed between the officer's belt and trousers (or simply tucked into his or her trousers), and the other side is allowed to hang loose on the outside. This method is often utilized by plain clothes officers who do not wear a belt of any sort, and therefore are unable to use a proper handcuff case.
Modern British police officers who carry handcuffs openly have an adapted holder designed to accommodate the cuffs at an angle, with a speed release mechanism.
Because of the rigid bar in this type of handcuffs, these tend to occupy more space on a belt whereas the chain link could be folded; the rigid type decreases the number of possible wearing positions. Typically, the cuffs are worn in a specially designed holster at a 45° angle, on either the left or right side of the officer, depending on whether they are left- or right-handed. These types of handcuffs are known as speedcuffs or quickcuffs, as the rigid bar design allows the officer to easily control the suspect and a much quicker placement on the wrist of the offender. Rigid handcuffs are most popular in the UK. [citation needed]
Some officers supplement their standard handcuffs with disposable restraints ('zip ties'), such as the ASP Tri-Fold (TM) restraints, which can be carried in a pocket or in a specialized pouch on the belt.
Aerosol chemical irritants are also commonly carried by police officers. The four most common formulations are: OC, CS, CN tear gas, or PAVA Spray. They are referred to as control sprays, pepper spray or mace.
One method of carrying these is in a detachable holder, attached to the wearer by a belt loop and a lanyard. This provides the officer with both an easy, fast method of bringing their spray in a position for use against a suspect and also a secure way of carrying it, as the lanyard means that it is always within reach of the officer, and they have a method of drawing it back should it fall.[15]
Another method of carriage that is used, and is more basic, is to simply contain the canister in a pouch, secured by either a velcro or button fastener. For the canister to be ready for operational use, most pouches of this type contain a coiled spring at the bottom bringing the canister into reach above the neck of the pouch when the cover is undone.
Some officers who carry a taser did not carry OC in the past, due to concerns of safety (ignition of the propellant) and limited belt space; the taser and OC are often considered to be approximately the same level of force. This has largely changed in the US, as the Taser is more effective [citation needed], and the OC sprays are now nonflammable.
The taser is normally carried in a one- or no-point locking holster slanted across the front of the officer's duty belt.
Law enforcement and security officers often have a large and powerful flashlight for duty use which is often carried on the belt, with an even more powerful one in the car. These lights are usually rechargeable and stay on the charger when not in use.
Long, cylindrical flashlights tend to be carried in a flashlight ring. Rings are simple and inexpensive, and are convenient for flashlights which are not regularly carried. However, the flashlight&#;which is often heavy&#;is permitted a great amount of vertical and horizontal freedom which can make the light insecure and uncomfortable to carry.
Examples of popular primary flashlights:
Because of the size and weight of most primary lights, and sometimes agency policy, many officers choose to carry a smaller secondary flashlight for everyday tasks. These lights are usually rechargeable and are kept in a holder on the duty belt.
Examples of popular secondary lights:
Rechargeable flashlights have been known to fail at inappropriate times. Because of this, many officers carry additional non-rechargeable flashlights. These lights must be small, light, bright and absolutely dependable. These lights may be kept in a holder on the belt, or in a trouser pocket.
These flashlights often use CR123 3.0 volt lithium or alkaline 1.5 volt AA battery cells.
Examples of popular auxiliary lights:
To allow for better weapon control, officers often attach a dedicated flashlight directly to the firearm. These lights tend to be especially small, light, robust, and use non-rechargeable batteries.
They sometimes have special features available, such as laser emitters.
Examples of popular weapon lights:
Some equipment has built-in lighting to better enable the officer to perform a task without having to use an additional light. For example, the Streamlight Cuffmate has integrated LEDs so that the officer can see keyholes on his handcuffs when restraining a suspect in darkness.
Spare magazines or speedloaders are carried to reload a gun. Magazines may be carried in a vertical position, or in a horizontal position. The advantage of carriage in a vertical, upright position is that the magazine occupies less space on the belt and therefore more magazines can be carried. The advantage of horizontal carry is that greater comfort is provided, and magazines are in a position that makes it easier for an officer to retrieve and load them into the handgun.
There is also variation in the number of magazines a pouch holds. The norm is for two magazines to be carried, but there are also variants which allow for carriage of more, or less, dependent on the needs of the officer. Also, similar to holders of other items of equipment, these can be found with either an open top design, or a closed design fastened either with a press stud or velcro.
Other pouches hold a single magazine but are attached to the front of the officer's firearm holster.
Further information: Baton (law enforcement)There are several types of baton holders for officers who have fixed or collapsible batons.[4] For fixed straight and side-handle batons, they use a ring which keeps the baton in place,[9] but can slide out when the officer is running or engaging in an altercation with an offender, and a fixed baton usually has to be removed before the officer can sit in their patrol vehicle.[4]
In the UK, where the police are not generally equipped with firearms, they use a cross-draw holster for their extendable batons,[4] which is on the opposite side of their strong hand, facing forward. When an officer needs to draw the device from a cross-draw baton holster, they would be required to reach across their front to the other side of the belt, where the baton is, undo a thumbsnap (these baton holders have open tops, but are considered secure) and pull the baton out of the pouch.[16] These holders also allow the baton to be stored while extended to allow the officer to arrest a suspect without the officer having to drop their baton or collapse it, which could take time and allowing the suspect to stage a counterattack or escape.[17]
Are you interested in learning more about Police Duty Utility Belts? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Elsewhere, officers can choose to have a closed baton pouch or an open top baton pouch for their extendable batons. Open top baton pouches are considered by some officers to be a safety concern as there is no thumbsnap to undo, as an officer may be unaware of the baton being taken from him or falling out when moving.
Noise reduction is a major issue for an officer who may have to silently stalk a suspect. A 'silent' key keeper uses a velcro pad to prevent noise. Other types of key holders include models which work in the same way as a tape-measure, automatically retracting keys after use. A hidden key keeper, which is concealed in a belt, is mostly used for the storage of spare sets of handcuff keys.
Either nitrile or latex disposable gloves are useful when handling subjects that may have infectious diseases when rendering First aid or making an arrest. Another use is to protect evidence at a crime scene. Numerous companies manufacture dedicated pouches designed specifically to hold disposable gloves, as well as multi-purpose pouches that can hold either pagers, disposable gloves, or any other such small objects that will fit within the pouch. An officer who does not have sufficient room on their belt for a dedicated glove pouch will often simply carry a pair of gloves in their trouser pocket.
It is often necessary for police officers to carry either a knife, or a multi-tool. The former is not just used as a self-defense weapon, but also as a utility tool for the cutting of various objects &#; such as, for example, a car seat belt which an officer may have to quickly cut in order to remove an injured person from a motor vehicle.
A multi-tool can be used in a number of different situations, depending on its specific design. It may be used as a knife, and may also be used in the assembly or disassembly of various items in the field, to facilitate their repair. It also has a limited use as a method of entry tool. Officers may also choose to carry a window-punch which is a small metal point on the end of a hammer-type handle, which the officer can use to break a window either to access a car or a residence.
See also: First aid kitSince police officers may be the first to arrive at a medical incident, officers may wear a first aid pouch containing some basic life saving equipment, which is useful while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. This equipment may include: medical gloves, CPR mask and antiseptic wipes. It is not common practice for American police officers to carry first-aid equipment beyond examination gloves on their duty belt, but they usually keep such equipment in their nearby patrol car. More expensive equipment, such as Automatic External Defibrillators, may be assigned to a few patrol cars.
Unlike most other police forces, officers in British forces are not generally equipped with firearms. The standard equipment for officers of the British police includes Hiatts handcuffs, an Airwaves radio, PAVA spray and ASP baton. Taser-trained officers also carry their X26 or X2 taser on the belt, and all officers may also wear optional pouches containing first-aid items or documentation. British police officers, and those of the Hong Kong Police Force, can also carry their warrant cards on their belts, although it is not a widespread use.
Firearms trained officers may carry their sidearm on a belt, however drop-leg holsters are the norm. Officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, one of the small number of routinely armed forces, typically carry their sidearms and magazines on their duty belt.
Prison officers in British prisons are equipped with a duty belt to assist them in their job. On their belt they carry various pouches for the prison security keys, radio pouch, baton holster, Pava spray and rigid bar handcuffs.
American police officers often carry more than 20 lbs. (9 kg) of equipment.[18][19] Many police officers develop health conditions, such as chronic back problems, as a result of this.[19][18] Officers with back problems sometimes use suspenders, which transfer some of the belt's weight to the shoulders, reducing the amount of weight concentrated at the waist.
Some officers are also switching to harnesses. This harness goes over their stab vest or ballistic vest and reduces the need for officers to keep reaching around to get their equipment. Some officers have even stored their equipment in pockets of their coats or trousers, however this is not recommended if an officer needs to reach for the equipment quickly.
Printed sources:
Websites:
By Marty Katz
As a police officer, you are provided with certain equipment to perform your job. Some equipment you may purchase on your own, as long as it meets with agency policies and procedures. Review your policy and procedure manual before random purchasing. Most equipment after use is non-refundable and many of the items you will want to purchase are expensive.
The equipment you will have is divided into three groups:
You will quickly get familiar with all your equipment because each piece will be a part of you for your entire career.
In this article, we look at considerations for the purchase and placement of police officer duty equipment on police duty belts.
Your duty equipment is commonly known as your duty belt. During the years, I&#;ve adjusted and readjusted my duty equipment and, due to my research, have enlightened many agencies to change their policies over the placement of duty belt equipment.
Everything has a proper place and is tactically placed. At any given moment I can reach out and bring into play anything that I carry. I&#;ve found some officers under stress have confused items on their duty belts.
One officer attempted to place his OC spray can into the open magazine well of his firearm during a stress-induced scenario. This officer was so stressed out that he reached for the wrong piece of equipment and upon realizing his error became even more stressed.
The goal of proper placement of duty belt equipment is to ensure everything can be easily located and ascertained to where you do not have to think about where an item is as you reach for it.
Likewise, you can return each piece of equipment to its proper place without taking your eyes off the suspect or what you are doing.
In addition to the proper placement of your duty equipment, you must understand the function of each piece and how it is to be operated.
Without warning, I would call five officers into the station. I would then take them to the indoor gun range and have them draw their duty weapon and fire four rounds into a target.
This was to determine if their firearm charged, the weapon functioned correctly, they had the correct ammunition and whether they could hit the target. Some officers did not have a round in the chamber of their semi-auto pistols.
Most officers had no problems or difficulties with this drill. But if one of the problem officers was your backup, there could be a situation that did not end well. This became a wake-up call for all.
Standard duty belt placement is important. Each item is placed in a specific place for tactical and ease-of-use reasons. Starting from the front center and moving toward your strong side, the first item from the center point is your handcuff case. This is placed here so that it can be accessed from either hand.
I always carry two sets of handcuffs. There are double handcuff cases, or you can simply carry your second set in your rear pocket, either side. The reason for the handcuff case in front is that there will be no reaching when needed.
I have seen some officers carrying their handcuffs behind their firearm. If your weapon was out, covering a subject, and you need to retrieve the handcuffs, you have to either holster the weapon or use your strong hand to obtain the cuffs. That is not a good idea.
I carry a handcuff key attached to one of the belt keepers and a second one in my left back pocket. One of the drills I teach is how to get out of handcuffs if you are taken hostage.
Next to the handcuff case is my OC spray. Again, it is accessible by either hand and the transition from spray to firearm is easy when utilizing this location. I can also spray from the case if necessary.
The next item is my firearm. On either side of the holster is a belt keeper. This will help secure the holster to my body and with the proper handgun retention, and a triple secure holster, the weapon is protected.
The firearm I carry also has an attached tactical light. I keep nothing behind the holster. There have been reports of police equipment moving on the duty belt and sliding behind the holster, and depending on the type of holster, this item prevented the weapon from being drawn.
Going back to the center point and moving toward your non-firearm side, the first item is your magazine pouches. The magazines are facing forward and nothing is blocking the quick removable and reloading of these important tools.
The next piece of equipment is my cross-draw TASER. The reason for cross draw is that it can never be confused with your firearm. In addition, the TASER can be drawn when in a cross-draw location by either hand. On either side of the TASER are my belt keepers.
The next item is my portable radio. A long time ago, I decided to wear a tactical earpiece that also had a microphone built into the earpiece. With the earpiece secured by a small strap around my ear and under the ear lobe, this has become a critical safety tool. Only I can hear what is being transmitted.
Too many times the bad guy hears something about them over the radio while standing next to the officer and the fight is on. When I am on a perimeter position or searching a structure, even if the radio traffic is limited, someone always breaks in at the wrong time and gives away your position. This way, with a secure earpiece, safety is enhanced.
After the belt keeper is my collapsible baton followed by one last keeper.
From day one, I have always carried a backup gun. Some prefer the same caliber and make of their primary duty weapon. Others prefer to carry a smaller revolver or smaller semi-auto. Either choice, make sure it is carried in the same place every day. Many officers carry the backup weapon attached to their vest, while others carry the weapon in an ankle holster. No matter what you carry, you must have an additional load device.
The loading devices for a semi-auto-type weapon are carried in the front pocket weak side and the revolver-type weapon is carried in the front pocket strong side.
I do not place any equipment on the rear of my duty belt. Reason number one is that if anything was behind me during a physical confrontation, I would have to disengage one hand and reach to obtain this piece of equipment. Reason number two? Well, if I fell and landed on my back, an item in this location might cause a back injury and that might take the fight out of me when I needed it most. The rule here is that nothing is around your back.
Of course, standard equipment whenever the uniform is being worn is the ballistic vest. If the uniform is on, the vest is on. When assigned to the criminal investigation unit, the vest was always next to me on the front seat. If we had any prior notice of taking any police action, the vest was immediately put on.
In my left front pocket, I carried a small flashlight because you just never know.
I place a folding pocketknife in each rear pants pocket. I prefer an auto-opening knife. No matter what hand is occupied, I can still reach for a knife if needed. Since the knife is auto, it will open with just a push of a button. In combat situations, time is in short supply.
Many other items can be carried. Pens that are designed as knives, pens that are really handcuff keys, the list goes on and on. This article covers the basic duty equipment each officer should carry and its proper placement on a police duty belt.
About the author
Marty Katz is a retired sergeant with the Broward Sheriff&#;s Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During his 34-year career, his assignments included field training officer, SWAT team member, undercover narcotics detective, academy instructor street crime suppression unit and supervisor of Recruitment, Criminal investigations and Patrol. Marty is a Florida Department of Law Enforcement certified instructor (Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Driving, First Responder, Ethics and Human Diversity), Expert Witness for Use of Force issues, a member of ILEETA, and past Florida Chapter Director for the International Association of Ethics Trainers In addition, Marty has trained in Japan with the Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police and is a martial arts instructor.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Bullet-Proof Helmet. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.