NCJ Number
228673
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 36 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 64-69
Date Published
July 2009
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article outlines the new requirements and equipment for off-duty police officers in a period of tight budgets and increased demands and assaults on police officers.
Abstract
Currently, off-duty officers must be more prepared than usual to intervene on behalf of their on-duty counterparts or to intervene in an active incident. This requires that off-duty officers carry a streamlined version of their on-duty equipment. This includes a handgun and adequate ammunition, a knife, a less-lethal device, handcuffs, badge, ID, communications equipment, and a flashlight. Other miscellaneous tools are recommended as well. Off-duty clothing should allow unrestricted movement and not advertise that "I'm a cop." This article offers general and specific suggestions for off-duty clothing, some of which is offered by Arborwear. Regarding the handgun carried by off-duty officers, the article recommends carrying the most effective firearm that wardrobe allows, congruent with the climate. Suggestions are offered for clothing and testing that ensures both the concealment and access of the gun. The recommended knife for off-duty officers is Benchmade's 522 SBK Pardue Axis. This knife is suitable for heavy cutting tasks, not as a last-ditch defense tool. The article also recommends carrying an appropriate pen. It recommends the Benchmade 1150, a precision machined fine writing instrument designed for extreme conditions. Other off-duty equipment recommendations are offered for Taser and other less-lethal weapons, handcuffs, and flashlight.