NCJ Number
214726
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 33 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 100,102,105
Date Published
May 2006
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses gun-mounted lights and tactics for police officers with unholstered handguns in low-light searches.
Abstract
Gun-mounted lights should only be used to illuminate a target and not as a general purpose flashlight. In discussing tactics for turning on the gun-mounted light for target illumination, the author recommends using both hands on the gun. Most tactical light products have a tab on either side of the light. Pushing the tab one way provides momentary light, and pushing it the other way sets the light to "constant on." While searching a low-light area with an unholstered gun, the trigger finger is in a position to press the tab to put the light on momentarily for target illumination before firing. The thumb of the other hand can be on the tab that presses the switch to "constant on." Although incandescent lamps were used for gun-mounted lights a few years ago, LED packages have become more advanced, providing more operating time and more resistance to damage from shocks than incandescent lamps. A recent offering has a bright LED center with a secondary circle of light combined with a precisely aimed laser that allows officers to aim, illuminate, and intimidate in one package. If an officer uses a weapon-mounted light regularly, range sessions should include training with the light mounted on the weapon. Training should include practice in drawing and firing the weapon. Other topics discussed in the article are how to avoid "backlighting" a partner with the tactical light in the course of a tandem search; using a handheld light rather than a gun-mounted light to illuminate a target; and the importance of using a bright, technologically advanced flashlight when entering a darkened area from a brightly lit area.