What does a police officer carry?

Police officers have to be ready at a moment’s notice for a variety of situations, which range from routine traffic stops to intense confrontations with violent criminals. Police rely heavily on their sharp intellect, quick reflexes, physical prowess, and their heightened senses. They also depend on the equipment they carry on their duty belts. So what exactly does a police officer carry? Today I’ll discuss which items police officers typically carry on their duty belts, and I’ll also feature some Premier Emblem products designed to keep these items safe and secure.

A gun: All police officers carry a firearm. Not all police officers fire their weapon, but it’s a critical piece of equipment for them nonetheless. In certain situations, deadly force (or the threat of deadly force) is the only option. Premier Emblem offers gun holsters made from premium top-grain leather that will not crack or peel, and although the leather will give a little to conform to your firearm, the holster will retain its overall shape and size.

Extra ammunition: Police officers carry extra ammunition for their firearms so that they’re prepared for any situations that might arise. Ammunition is stored in cases called magazines. Premier Emblem offers a wide variety of magazine holders. We carry both nylon and leather magazine cases, in single, double, and quad sizes. The double magazine holder shown on the left is made with our popular top-grain basket weave leather.

Radio: It’s critical for police officers to be in contact with their station and with fellow officers. Police radios enable officers to respond quickly to situations that require their attention. They also allow police officers to instantly provide information to other officers. Premier Emblem offers several types of nylon radio holders, including the nylon and steel adjustable radio holder shown on the right. This holder will help protect your radio from impact.

Handcuffs: The most common way that police officers restrain suspects is to use handcuffs. Handcuffs can be used to restrain individuals who pose a risk to themselves, the officer, or others. Police officers also use handcuffs when placing someone under arrest. Premier Emblem carries both handcuffs and handcuff cases. The handcuffs shown on the left are made with black plated steel, which is non-reflective.

Premier Emblem handcuff cases are available in either nylon or leather, and come in both open and closed-top styles. The handcuff case featured here is made from non-reflective nylon, and also features a non-reflective matte black snap. It has an open top, giving you quick and easy access to your handcuffs.

Baton: All police officers carry a baton, which is a less lethal alternative to a firearm. There are many different types of batons, but the most common types are the ASP and the PR-24. Premier Emblem carries both nylon and leather baton holders, in sizes to accommodate the ASP or the PR-24. The leather baton holder shown on the left features a closed top, so your ASP will be protected from those who might try to get a hold of it.

Pepper spray or mace: Police officers may use pepper spray or mace as a less lethal alternative to using a firearm. The active ingredient in pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum, can cause intense irritation of mucous membranes, including the eyes, mouth, and nose. An officer can temporarily incapacitate an individual by spraying mace. If used correctly, pepper spray can keep an individual from being able to open their eyes for ten minutes to one hour. It is also effective against aggressive animals, including dogs and even bears. Pepper spray is sold in aerosol containers that vary in size. Premier Emblem offers both nylon and leather mace cases that can be worn on a duty belt. The nylon mace case shown comes in four sizes.

Taser or stun gun: A police officer may carry either a Taser or a stun gun on their duty belt. What’s the difference? A stun gun is pressed against an individual’s body, and it delivers a high-voltage shock that causes intense pain, and incapacitates the individual. A Taser shoots metal rods, and can be used at a distance or up-close. Tasers cause intense muscle spasms that cause temporary paralysis. Premier Emblem offers a nylon stun gun holder that features a closed top, which is critical for the safety of the officer and others.

Latex gloves: Police officers may carry latex gloves. Latex gloves protect officers from bodily fluids at a crime scene. To be effective, latex gloves need to be protected from damage. Premier Emblem offers both nylon and leather holders for latex gloves. The glove holder shown on the right is the perfect size to keep a pair of latex gloves, and it won’t take up too much room on your duty belt.

Knife: Not all officers carry a knife, but it can really come in handy for a variety of situations. Premier Emblem offers a folding knife that features a combination blade: part of the blade is straight for making a clean cut, and part is serrated for sawing. This knife also features a window breaker and seatbelt cutter. The knife can be opened and closed using one hand. It can be personalized with a department logo, or purchase a 9/11 anniversary logo knife that’s already in stock.

Of course, Premier Emblem also offers top-quality duty belts to keep all of your equipment safe, secure, and accessible. To learn about how to choose a duty belt, click here. Thanks for reading the Premier Emblem blog! Please feel free to comment with any questions or suggestions!

Nylon vs. leather: What type of duty belt is best?

I recently wrote a blog post about Premier Emblem leather, explaining that I will not raise leather prices because too many men and women depend on its durable quality. But there are also plenty of police officers who swear by nylon. So which is better, especially for duty belts? Let me say right away that I really don’t think one is better than the other. But today I’ll outline the pros and cons of each.

Police officers have depended on leather for ages because of its strength, durability, and the polished look it offers. The classic black leather Sam Browne belt has been the standard for law enforcement for quite some time. But in more recent years, nylon has started to gain popularity due to the fact that it’s incredibly lightweight and virtually silent. These features are especially noticeable in nylon duty belts. And while leather can be somewhat reflective (especially patent leather), nylon has a dull finish, which is good for officers who want to keep a low profile.

When it comes to the issue of comfort, leather and nylon each offer their own benefits. After a break-in period, leather conforms to the body, creating a fit that is unique to the wearer. As it becomes softer and less stiff, it can be incredibly comfortable, but doesn’t lose any strength or durability. However, leather’s stiff edges can pinch and dig into skin, even after the break-in period is over. This can get especially uncomfortable for officers sitting in the squad car.

Many people say that nylon is more flexible and comfortable, requiring no break-in period. And although there isn’t a huge difference in weight between leather and nylon, officers carry up to 15 pounds of gear already, so a duty belt that is even slightly lighter in weight can feel much more comfortable.

Leather and nylon offer different looks. Many officers like the classic, traditional look of leather. Perhaps it’s what they’re used to, or it makes them feel polished and professional and therefore more authoritative and confident. And there’s really no denying that for events that require a formal look, such as parades, leather is the best choice. Nylon looks more modern and tactical, which may be an advantage in some scenarios.

Maintenance is another issue to consider when choosing between leather and nylon. Both will eventually get worn out and lose that brand-new look. Yet some say that leather tends to look great much longer than nylon, and it can be revived with some saddle soap, shoe polish, and a little elbow grease. Nylon has one clear advantage when it comes to maintenance- it can be disinfected. This is incredibly important for officers who encounter blood and bodily fluids.

What type of duty belt should you choose- nylon or leather? Many departments require officers to wear a particular material, and in that case, the choice is easy! If you are allowed to make your own decision on the matter, you should consider your needs and the environment. Are you going to be exposed to blood or bodily fluids? You may want to choose nylon. Are you going to spend a lot of time sitting? Nylon might be your best choice, but a broken-in leather duty belt might suit you just as well. At the end of the day, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself and your unique situation. Whether you choose nylon or leather, purchase your duty belt from a brand you trust, and make sure to get a great fit.

Premier Emblem offers a complete line of nylon and leather duty belts and other duty gear, including baton holders, cuff cases, and magazine cases. Browse our selection online, and to find a dealer online or locally, click here.

Who is Saint Florian?

In honor of the men and women who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Premier Emblem has created a beautiful line of 9/11 anniversary patches, knives, tie tacs, and coins. One of the 9/11 anniversary coins features Saint Florian, patron saint of firefighters, on the back. When we were designing the coin, I learned about Saint Florian. His story is one of absolute bravery and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. With the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks upon us, I think that Saint Florian’s story is one worth sharing.

Saint Florian lived in Noricum, which is now part of Austria, between the third and fourth centuries. He was an officer in the Roman army, and quickly rose through the ranks due to his excellent people skills and leadership abilities. He eventually became a general of a very prestigious fire brigade, and was rumored to have put out a fire with a single bucket of water. He was highly regarded by his superiors, but this regard would not last long. See, Florian had become a Christian, and he was not enforcing the anti-Christian laws as he was commanded. His superior Aquilinus ordered him to burn Christian churches and destroy Christian books. He ordered Florian to force Christians from their jobs, jail them, and even execute them. Florian refused to do as he was ordered, and he would not renounce his faith. Aquilinus offered Florian money and even a promotion to tempt him, but Florian proclaimed that he would prefer to suffer with his fellow Christians.

The Roman soldiers brutally beat and scourged Florian, and flayed him alive. All the while, Florian proclaimed his unwavering dedication to his faith. When the Roman soldiers vowed to burn Florian alive, Florian encouraged them to make the fire as hot and powerful as they could, so that the flames would carry him to heaven. Enraged and unwilling to allow Florian to become a martyr, Aquilinus ordered the Roman soldiers to tie a stone around Florian’s neck and drown him in the River Enns.

Florian led a life of bravery, and risked his own safety for others. In the face of evil and hatred, he remained true to his faith. He exhibited the ultimate strength in life and in death. I can think of no better figure to represent the men and women who risked and lost their lives serving the innocent victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. I hope that those who are in pain will find comfort and strength in the story of Saint Florian. It is a reminder to us that good always ultimately triumphs over evil, and love is infinitely more powerful than hate.

Leather prices

The price of leather is on the rise, which is not incredibly surprising. It seems like the price of everything is on the rise these days, doesn’t it? Most people are being forced to make sacrifices, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When you make sacrifices, you learn what really matters to you. Perhaps you find that you really don’t need to eat as much meat as you thought, or you’ve learned that you can live without those extra television channels. You may also find that there are some things that you’d really rather not give up. For many of the men and women who wear Premier Emblem, leather is one of those things that they can’t seem to live without.

The cost of raw leather has been soaring for the past few years. According to Leather International, the price of leather hides is at a 10-year high. Why? There are many reasons, including:

• An increase in the price of corn, which led some producers to trim their herds.
• Increasing international demand for beef.
• High fuel costs.   
• Poor weather conditions.

These price increases impact many industries, including agriculture, food, grocery, automotive, and apparel. Consumers are struggling to decide how to respond to these price increases, and it isn’t always easy. Is it better to save a little money right now by buying a cheaper product, but run the risk of that product failing within a few months? Or should you spend a little more now in the hopes that you’ll save yourself money in the long run? The answer is rarely clear-cut, and trying to make these tough decisions can be extremely anxiety-producing for cash-strapped consumers.

As I said before, many of the men and women who wear Premier Emblem don’t want to give up leather. They know that when it comes to belts, holsters, handcuff cases, and baton holders, there is absolutely no substitute for heavy-duty, durable leather. And I don’t want them to give up leather. When I think about the men and women who protect me, my family, and my country, I want them to have the best possible tools for the job. That’s why I haven’t raised leather prices since 2008, and don’t plan to raise leather prices.

It may hurt me financially to absorb the rising costs of leather, but at the end of the day, I believe that I can make an honest living by doing what’s right and occasionally making sacrifices. I’m proud of the work that we do at Premier Emblem, and we do what we do because we are proud of the men and women who wear Premier Emblem.

To browse our collection of leather, including our trusted leather belts, click here. If you’d like to find an online or local Premier Emblem dealer, click here.