Duty gear setup.

[3rd_shift]

I'm using from passenger side back around my back to drivers side:
4 OZ pepper spray, Glock 19 9mm, handcuffs in holster, nothing on my back in case I slip and land on my tail, souped up custom 300+ lumen 3c led Maglite,
2 spare magazines vertical, asp angled toward my right hand.

What is your favorite arrangement?

[N. A. Corbier]

I'll post my "new" duty rig, which is on order. My old one was identical, except replace the 92FS with a S&W .357 Magnum.

From left belt buckle going counter-clockwise, as I am left handed:

Bianchi Accumold Elite Duty Belt
+
Bianchi Accumold Inner Trouser Belt
Belt Keeper
Double Magazine Holder, Beretta 92FS
Belt Keeper
Cellular Telephone in case
Belt Keeper
Safariland SLS Holster for Beretta 92FS
Belt Keeper
Bianchi Accumold Elite Double Handcuff Case
+
Smith and Wesson Model 100 Handcuff x2
Belt Keeper
Bianchi Accumold Elite Pager Case
+
2 Pairs, Nitrle Gloves + Sanidex Wipes
(Big Space to keep my back from breaking)
Bianchi Accumold Elite Pager Case
+
CPR Microshield + Sanidex Wipes
Bianchi Accumold Elite PR-24 Ring
Bianchi Accumold Elite Stinger Holder, Closed Top
Belt Keeper
Portaclip for Motorola Radio
Belt Keeper
ASP Rotating 26" Sidebreak Scabbard
+
31" ASP Baton, Chrome
Belt Keeper
Bianchi Accumold Elite MK4 OC Aerosol Holder
+
MK4 Canister, Sabre Red H2O OC
Belt Keeper
Accumold Elite Double Magazine Holder, 92FS


I have had people try to rip my belt off my pants, they get about 1 second to do it till I start politely asking them to stop using the minimum force required to gain compliance.

I suggest that security officers switch to the water based OC, in case you pepper spray someone, PD arrives or your agency has Tasers, and someone else torches the guy due to flamable OC. I could see a lawyer suing the security officer and his company due to negligence (They knew PD had tasers, they didn't do due diligence in OC selection!)

I also suggest that you not follow in my footsteps like Batman, and figure out what you need. I've been wearing it for years, so I'm sorta dependent on everything I carry. I carry 4 pairs of handcuffs and 4 mags because I can, not because I should. I've had situations where I've had to cuff up to four people before PD arrived, or worse, someone's so combative that nobody can get a cuff on, and we're all trying. I hate running out of cuffs.

I carry 4 mags because some of the areas I've patrolled, the police have told me: "Carry extra mags, it'll be awhile before we get enough people to get there. Good luck."

[Arff312]

Ok im new to security but was a explorer for ever. Right now i wear a uncle mikes duty belt. I am in the process of getting bianchi and switching to all new equipment and i will post when i get it. From Right to left i have :

Leatheman Blast
Silent key holder
Sure fire flashight
Handcuff case
D- Cell ring
Glove case
Cuff Case
Radio Case
Cell Phone
Badge

I wear a vest and also sometimes add a EMT puuch on there as i am an EMT. We can not use OC or baton at my current company that i work at but i am certified in Baton i will be getting certified for OC and Taser.

[N. A. Corbier]

Ok im new to security but was a explorer for ever. Right now i wear a uncle mikes duty belt. I am in the process of getting bianchi and switching to all new equipment and i will post when i get it. From Right to left i have :

Leatheman Blast
Silent key holder
Sure fire flashight
Handcuff case
D- Cell ring
Glove case
Cuff Case
Radio Case
Cell Phone
Badge

I wear a vest and also sometimes add a EMT puuch on there as i am an EMT. We can not use OC or baton at my current compnany that i work at but i am certified in OC, Baton and Taser.
Who certified you with the Taser? (Agency or what?) So far, I know of very few companies who will even let their security officers touch tasers, because of the massive liablity of the citizen model Taser. (X26c's have a cycle time of 10 seconds, not 5, and two trigger pulls will turn the unit on for 30 seconds, not 5. They have no dataport for accountablity, either.)

If you were certified as an explorer, I'd love to know the specific agency, model Taser you are certified with (M18/L, M26, X26, X26c), and if you were contact or probe stunned with the device as part of certification.

[Arff312]

Ok i messed up i will be getting certified in taser and OC. I will be doing my training through a private training company. I have my OC class tomorrow. I am actually debating the taser because there is only one agency here that allows you to carry it in my county. Sorry for the mistyping. The taser i will be getting certified in is the x26 i believe but i am not 100 precent sure. Is it worth paying to ge tthe certification. Like i said i am new to security and not sure what will help in the future. I am currently certified on the baton.

[N. A. Corbier]

Ok i messed up i will be getting certified in taser and OC. I will be doing my training through a private training company. I have my OC class tomorrow. I am actually debating the taser because there is only one agency here that allows you to carry it in my county. Sorry for the mistyping. The taser i will be getting certified in is the x26 i believe but i am not 100 precent sure. Is it worth paying to ge tthe certification. Like i said i am new to security and not sure what will help in the future. I am currently certified on the baton.

Taser International will not allow private citizens access to the x26 Taser, as it is a Law Enforcement Weapon System. If your state allows civilian carry of the Taser, seek guidance with your security company. Remember, they dictate and are liable for what you carry and use. Most security companies will not allow officers to carry the X26c. My own state prohibits anyone but military or law enforcement to have an electric weapon - of any sort, but I was on an evaluation committee in Florida for the X26.

Tasers are a good first strike patrol weapon for defusing violent encounters for private security. Unfournately, Taser sells civilian models to security, and restricts the less potent X26 with enhanced safety and tracking features to law enforcement only. While the X26c is good for "hit and run away," it will be a liability nightmere when your using it as a use of force option to stop criminal interference with your client property, as your subjecting the taser victim to a 10 or 30 second taser cycle, NOT 5 SECONDS.

This, of course, is if you can find a company that will let you carry one. Most won't touch them with a 10 foot pole.

If your referring to Citizen Taser Training, where a LE Taser instructor shows you how to work the weapon, lets you fire off a round or two, and then explains You, Taser, and The Law, then its negligable training. It is not the full X26 course that LE recieves. Having been Agency Certified as an X26 Operator and X26 Instructor, there is more to it than "turn on, point, shoot, run."

[Arff312]

Ok dont ask me how they got it but there is a compnany in my county (only one) that carrys tasers. And the do carry the x-26. There used to be another company that did but they stoped due to the liability. As i said i am not sure how they got to carry it as i dont work with them. My instructor told me about them. As far as the training goes if you get ti it is for the x-26 and does certify you for it from my under standing. I will try to look into it more for you.

[N. A. Corbier]

Ok dont ask me how they got it but there is a compnany in my county (only one) that carrys tasers. And the do carry the x-26. There used to be another company that did but they stoped due to the liability. As i said i am not sure how they got to carry it as i dont work with them. My instructor told me about them. As far as the training goes if you get ti it is for the x-26 and does certify you for it from my under standing. I will try to look into it more for you.

There was an outreach between Taser and the private security industry last year to provide "qualified contractors" with X26 LE models, 21 foot cartridges, and dataport readers. If the company had federal CCR contracts, or could prove that they had a good working relationship and sound character, Taser would "waiver" them and get them the LE devices and allow them to attend a LE Master Instructor Course.

This seems to have changed this year, as Taser states since security companies are civilians, they are only authorized to purchase the X26c, 15 foot cartridges (No eXtended Penetrator rounds, etc), and recieve regular X26c 1-1 civilian training.

Now, remember, there's absolutely nothing stopping a Taser Certified LE trainer from training non-sworn personnel. Its his certificate, they can't take that away unless he fails to recertify or improperly trains his students.

I think they stopped giving X26s out because of all the liability flak. They're getting liability issues with the unit from "highly trained police officers." Now give one to a security guard with zero hours of training in anything. Johnny Cochrane will come back to life for that.

[N. A. Corbier]

Ok, because this interests me, I wrote Taser's investor relations (ir@taser.com), and asked them for clarification on their "law enforcement only" X26, and if any private security companies have been issued them, contrary to what a taser sales representative told our committee last year (They did a 180.)

Normally, I'd just call a sales rep and go, "Yo, can we have x26s?" But Wiscosnin makes that a little hard. :)

[N. A. Corbier]

When I wore a duty belt, I only carried 1 set of handcuffs, Stinger XT, latex glove case and a cell phone case. There wasn't a need for anything more.

What duty were you performing, and what training have you recieved in regards to empty hand defense, etc? Were you responsible for the protection of life, or the protection of property, only?

All these factors determine "need" in what duty gear is carried. I have never worked for a company that protects property only, and the concept somewhat interests me.

[N. A. Corbier]

At the job I was speaking of in that post, it was a shopping center. I was primarily there for property protection. We would sometimes assist LPOs with apprehensions if the suspect was fighting, difficult, etc. but we were mainly visual deterrants and "trained observers."

Were you trained with handcuffs, and in apprehension, btw? Most stores have fits if a third party assists their employees, unless the store management has verification of your credentials.

[mallpopo]

cuffs, I.D. badge, o.c., cell phone, second pair of cuffs, pager, nextel, mall radio, gloves, key ring, and one last pair of cuffs (hinged), everything in black (more tactical that way)!!!!!!!

[N. A. Corbier]

Ok, because this interests me, I wrote Taser's investor relations (ir@taser.com), and asked them for clarification on their "law enforcement only" X26, and if any private security companies have been issued them, contrary to what a taser sales representative told our committee last year (They did a 180.)

Normally, I'd just call a sales rep and go, "Yo, can we have x26s?" But Wiscosnin makes that a little hard. :)

Arrived in my inbox, from Taser International -


Hello,

There was a program in the past that allowed private security agencies
to purchase Law Enforcement models. Such program does not exist any
longer and only sworn Law Enforcement can purchase the Law Enforcement
models. Private Security can purchase the M18, M18L and X26C. In regards
to your instructor question you will need to contact our training
Department at 1-800-978-2737 and ask for Training. Thank you and have a
great rest of the week !!

Jose Rojas


So, if Tasers are legal in your state for civilian carry, all you can buy of the new models in use is the X26c. The M series is somewhat effective, I've been told by LEOs and civilian users, however, it is not the light weight X series, and looks like your drawing a Glock 17.

I do not recommend the X26c for duty use, because of the long charge time, and the double trigger pull escape mode. This is a liability nightmere waiting to happen, as you may be held to the police standard for taser use.

[Arff312]

Thanks for the info. I am still not sure which model the 2 agencies taht carry them have. I am still wondering if i want to go through the training if i cant carry it where i work now. As a employeer would you want to see more certs even if they arent used by you ?

[N. A. Corbier]

Thanks for the info. I am still not sure which model the 2 agencies taht carry them have. I am still wondering if i want to go through the training if i cant carry it where i work now. As a employeer would you want to see more certs even if they arent used by you ?

Only if the comapnies carrying them aren't going to poison the market by misusing them. You'll still get that about pepper spray, batons, and everything else. All it takes is a few local or regional news stories about "Security Guard arrested for Taser Misuse" or something to make everyone start fearing your officers with a taser on their belt.

Another interesting thing I just noticed... Ever notice the AP will, when a security officer does something right, call them a "security officer," or "security professional," but when they screw up or look like they did, they call them a "security guard?" Semantics play a big part in our media today. Ask a FOP guy about that, when the local paper is attacking the police, he'll tell you ALL about it.

[Bill Warnock]

If sidearms are issued or purchased by the individual, are holsters designed for that particular sidearm equipped with ?grab resistant? devices? If so, what retention level ? 1, 2 or 3? If not so equipped, why not? Liability issues considered?
Those should be questions we should ask ourselves, the employer and most importantly, general counsel. We might be surprised at the responses we receive.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

If sidearms are issued or purchased by the individual, are holsters designed for that particular sidearm equipped with ?grab resistant? devices? If so, what retention level ? 1, 2 or 3? If not so equipped, why not? Liability issues considered?
Those should be questions we should ask ourselves, the employer and most importantly, general counsel. We might be surprised at the responses we receive.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

I used to have a box of Level 2 Safariland for S&W weapons, because BY GOD, someone would go out and buy a 600 dollar S&W Revolver, and then buy a 20 dollar Uncle Mikes HUNTING holster for 15.99 with zero retention, and show up for work with it. It became a daily ritual to inspect the probationary officer's equipment upon first showing up to my site for FTO.

[davis002]

I wear a Safariland Leather Duty Belt (velcro lined) with a Safariland velcro pants belt.

Starting from the front-center and going clockwise...

***open-top single cuff case w/peerless chained restraints (just to the right of the front-center)
***open-top chemical spray case w/ 4oz Freeze+P
***1" belt keeper (provides seperation between chemical spray and firearm)
***Safariland 6004 SLS Tactical Holster w/Glock 22 .40cal with weapon mounted M3 streamlight
***1" belt keeper (provides seperation between firearm and baton)
***ASP Sidebreak Scabbard w/ 26" ASP Duratec Airweight Baton
***Leatherman tool
***1" belt keeper
***roughly 6" open space
***1" belt keeper
***handcuff strap w/peerless hinged restraints
***removable swivel radio holder
***open-top flashlight case w/ Blackhawk Gladius LED flashlight
***1" belt keeper
***Safariland double magazine case in horizontal draw position
***1" belt keeper
***latex glove case

I'll add some photos when I figure out how to upload them

Smme of you might be wondering why I utilize a velcro-attached duty belt with 6 - 1" belt keepers. The answer is simple... Officer Safety. This ensures that in the event of a struggle, nothing on my belt shifts in anyway. Also, it maintains the proper seperation between my firearm, baton, chemical spray, etc.

[N. A. Corbier]

I wear a Safariland Leather Duty Belt (velcro lined) with a Safariland velcro pants belt.

Starting from the front-center and going clockwise...

***open-top single cuff case w/peerless chained restraints (just to the right of the front-center)
***open-top chemical spray case w/ 4oz Freeze+P
***1" belt keeper (provides seperation between chemical spray and firearm)
***Safariland 6004 SLS Tactical Holster w/Glock 22 .40cal with weapon mounted M3 streamlight
***1" belt keeper (provides seperation between firearm and baton)
***ASP Sidebreak Scabbard w/ 26" ASP Duratec Airweight Baton
***Leatherman tool
***1" belt keeper
***roughly 6" open space
***1" belt keeper
***handcuff strap w/peerless hinged restraints
***removable swivel radio holder
***open-top flashlight case w/ Blackhawk Gladius LED flashlight
***1" belt keeper
***Safariland double magazine case in horizontal draw position
***1" belt keeper
***latex glove case

I'll add some photos when I figure out how to upload them

Smme of you might be wondering why I utilize a velcro-attached duty belt with 6 - 1" belt keepers. The answer is simple... Officer Safety. This ensures that in the event of a struggle, nothing on my belt shifts in anyway. Also, it maintains the proper seperation between my firearm, baton, chemical spray, etc.

Three questions:

1. How's the safariland velcro duty belt setup hold up? I've heard it chafes the uniform pants belt loops, but I figure that's a small price to pay for the system.

2. Are the duratec's still heavy enough to "power through" a defensive strike, especially if you miss the nerve cluster target?

3. Does that Gladius strobe pattern blind as effectively as everyone thinks it does? I looked at the video, and was impressed with it.

I believe, also, in using belt keepers as spacers. When I wore my ASP behind my pistol, it'd always jam right up against the butt of my pistol, preventing me from drawing both. Same with cuffs. Belt keeper between the two keeps everything nice and stable - where its supposed to be.

[davis002]

1. How's the safariland velcro duty belt setup hold up? I've heard it chafes the uniform pants belt loops, but I figure that's a small price to pay for the system.

The velcro does tend to "chew" the belt loops, but to what extent really depends on the pants you wear. I wear the Elbeco Tactical Twill (65% Poly/35% Cotton), and they have held up nicely since I bought them in February.

2. Are the duratec's still heavy enough to "power through" a defensive strike, especially if you miss the nerve cluster target?

A positive with the duratec is the fact that it is much lighter than other models, and therefore helps with fatigue. As far as it's effectiveness, the jury is still out. A few months ago I utilized my baton on a violent and combative subject, of whom was 6'8" 325 lbs (far more than my 6'5" 210 lbs). He was quite intoxicated and assaulted an individual. While I was chasing him on foot, I gave him 3 good strikes in his right thigh (going for that infamous nerve), with absolutely no effect. I ended up having to get up next to him, and kick him in the shin to get him to go down. He went down of course, and so did I. As we are both struggling on the ground I continued to strike him in his forearms. I ended up having to deploy my chemical spray to gain any kind of control. Basically, my baton failed me in that incident. Luckily though, in the years i've been in private security and law enforcement, I have rarely ever had to utilize my baton.

3. Does that Gladius strobe pattern blind as effectively as everyone thinks it does? I looked at the video, and was impressed with it.

This was a recent purchase, and I haven't really been able to deploy it in that manner yet. Through my own testing of the gladius I would definately say that the strobe pattern shows promise in being able to disorient and blind a subject. It really depends on the situation though. I have drawn my firearm on numerous occassions where my weapon-mounted M3 streamlight proved to be a great tool to blind and disorient an armed subject. I am itching for the day when I can field test my gladius on a DK Disorderly subject.

I believe, also, in using belt keepers as spacers. When I wore my ASP behind my pistol, it'd always jam right up against the butt of my pistol, preventing me from drawing both. Same with cuffs. Belt keeper between the two keeps everything nice and stable - where its supposed to be.

The ASP behind the pistol can be the difference between life and death depending on the holster you utilize. If you have a holster like most Safariland Raptors where you have to rock the firearm back to draw, then that ASP can slow down or even prevent you from drawing your firearm when needed. My reasoning is stability and spacing. I don't know if anyone read about the sheriffs deputy in Virginia I beleive who got into a struggle with a combative male. During the struggle, her entire belt shifted to the point where her firearm was located in the small of her back. I don't care how good you are, but you are not going to draw a level III retention holster from the small of your back in a violent encounter. She was killed by her own weapon after the male disarmed her. When you utilize a velcro belt with at least 4 belt keepers, this WILL NOT happen to you.

[N. A. Corbier]

I've heard of this (the reshifting of the entire rig) before, on more than one occassion. With the inclusion of belt keepers, the bad guy has to rip through all of those uniform pant belt loops. When your wearing those big ass keystone belt loops, that's a feat in itself.

That nerve is great if you can hit it, but damn, everyone should wear little safety orange dots to tell us where to strike in a dynamic encounter. :) Some of the forums I'm on are defensive tactics instruction orientated - and I find that people eschew the tools and go to submission grappling when they're trained sufficiently to actually hold their own and overcome the person's resistance.

[davis002]

Belt keepers are essential to officer safety



Officer's sacrifice serves as reminder to law enforcement about the importance of belt keepers

By Shelly Wilkison
Newsline Editor
swilkison@pwpl.com

"Officer Molly," as she was called by the young people she inspired, never met a stranger. She was friendly and outgoing, and well-liked by her fellow officers.

So when Molly Bowden, 26, passed away February 10th -- one month after being shot three times during a traffic stop -- her police family in Columbia, Missouri, was devastated. The community that was brought together during her month-long struggle to survive, grieved along with them. She was the first officer to be killed by gunfire in this city of about 100,000.

Officer Bowden, who left behind her husband, also a Columbia police officer, two stepsons, her parents and a brother, also left law enforcement with lessons to be learned from her sacrifice.

"It has been difficult for all of us and we're still going through the steps of the healing process," Columbia Police Chief Randall Boehm told Newsline recently.

Chief Boehm said patrol car video of the shooting indicated Officer Bowden, who had been on the department less than three years after serving one year as a university police officer, had only 3.8 seconds to react after the suspect fired his first shot (that missed the officer) through the driver side window.

As she moved to the rear of the vehicle to take cover, Richard Thiel Evans exited his vehicle and fired at Officer Bowden again. This time the bullet penetrated her neck and spine and she fell to the ground. Chief Boehm said the video shows the suspect moving around the car, and when he reached the officer, he fired two more shots from less than two feet away. One hit her in the lower jaw and the other struck her shoulder. The suspect then returned to his vehicle and fled the scene. Passersby saw the officer on the ground and used her radio to call for help.

Columbia police found the killer the next day, and after a brief gunfight during which another officer was injured, the suspect killed himself.

Upon examination of the officer's duty belt, her pistol was found still inside the triple-retention holster with only the back snap unfastened. A fellow officer reported in an email sent to Newsline that there was no belt keeper between the baton and her gun, and the baton was "moved forward so that it came between the belt and rear snap" of the holster.

Chief Boehm said the department, which provides officers with a velcro duty belt, doesn't require belt keepers. He said some officers still wear them and others do not, but he believes that "the issue was time, and in that 3.8 seconds, she didn't have time to get her weapon drawn."

With the development of duty belts that attach with velcro, Calibre Press warns officers not to forego belt keepers.

"Belt keepers are designed to do two things -- they keep the inner belt and the outer belt connected and keep weapons appropriately spaced, which helps prevent them from getting in the way of one another," said Calibre Press consulting survival instructor LouAnn Hamblin, a 14-year police veteran from Van Buren Township, Michigan. "Impeding the movement required for deployment of any control device can cause serious problems for officers. Other weapons and non-essential items like cell phones, leatherman tools, etc. shouldn't impede the movement required to draw weapon systems like the pistol or Taser."

As more agencies are requiring officers to carry collapsable batons and Tasers, accommodating them on an already crowded belt has become a challenge for many, especially smaller women and men. In order to find a place for everything, some may choose to eliminate belt keepers that can be one-half inch to three-quarters of an inch wide.

But, survival instructors say with all of the control devices officers are required to carry, belt keepers have proven to be an essential part of the duty belt and proper use of them can keep officers safe. They say eliminating belt keepers to make room for additional weapons is the wrong choice.

Officer Hamblin, who is 5 foot 5 inches tall and weighs 124 pounds, is the same size that she was when she first joined the force 14 years ago when the only items on her belt were a revolver, radio, mace, handcuffs and a flashlight. Since then, the department has required officers to carry a baton and a Taser, but Officer Hamblin has no room for the Taser.

"I don't have the ability to carry one," she said. "I would have to give up my baton or OC spray to make room for it, so I'm not required to carry it."

She said for her own safety, eliminating belt keepers to make room for a Taser wasn't an option. Holsters not separated from each other may make it more difficult to access a weapon. And when it comes to accessing a pistol, anything that restricts an officer's quick draw could prove deadly.

Calibre Press Street Survival instructor Betsy Brantner-Smith, a 25-year veteran from Naperville, IL, said that until one year ago, she carried her collapsable baton right behind her pistol. Then, Officer Robert Hindi, inventor of the Hindi Baton Cap, suggested carrying the baton in front on the non-gun side so it wouldn't interfere with the pistol. The baton's holster can be canted at different angles for comfort and accessibility.

"I have mine canted at a 45 degree angle in a cross-draw position," she said. "It is easy to access and doesn't interfere with movement or my ability to access my other equipment."

Smith said after making the change, she spent lots of time training with the newly arranged duty belt to be certain that she could react quickly with her weapons in their new positions. Developing a new skill requires many repetitions, she said.

The Calibre Street Survival Seminar advocates dynamic and realistic training with whatever equipment officers carry on their duty belts.

"Above all, they need to be accessible and comfortable," Smith said. "Train with the stuff you're carrying, and train from the equipment's holstered position on the belt -- whether it's your baton, your spray, your handcuffs or your pistol."

"If you train with your equipment, you know what all the possibilities are," Hamblin said.

SECURITY HOLSTERS NEED MORE SPACE ON A BELT

Throughout history, hundreds of peace officers have been killed because they lost control of their weapons during physical struggles with the bad guys. As a result, many law enforcement agencies today provide officers with security holsters that make it more difficult for a gun to be removed by anyone other than the officer.

The Level III security holsters have two or three straps, depending on the make and model, that snap closed to secure a weapon in the holster.

"Officers using this type of holster should be especially aware of other items on the duty belt that might restrict access to these snaps," said Hamblin. "Gunfights are won and lost in quarter-seconds, so every obstacle to employing lethal force can be costly to the officer."

Because a Level III holster has a back snap, it is recommended that two belt keepers be used to separate the gun from a baton holster, Smith said. Without that separation, a baton holster is likely to stand in the way of the snap and/or the movement required to remove the gun from its holster once the strap has been unsnapped.





Belt keepers are essential to officer safety. Not only do they secure the duty belt to the inner belt, they also provide space between weapon systems allowing officers to quickly access the tools they need to keep themselves safe. Survival instructors recommend placing two belt keepers behind the pistol, and suggest moving the baton holster to the front.

(Photos provided by LouAnn Hamblin)

http://www.calibrepress.com/emailart/746/746right.jpg
http://www.calibrepress.com/emailart/746/746rear.jpg
http://www.calibrepress.com/emailart/746/746left.jpg

SHIFTING GEAR

Officer Hamblin reminds officers wearing velcro duty belts that belt keepers provide an added sense of security.

"Every time an officer gets out of a car, or even stands up from a seated position, a belt can shift," she said. "If we get into a situation where we have to use a weapon, it's critical that it be in the right location. Otherwise, we lose valuable seconds that in the worst cases, might mean the difference between life and death."

She said there have been many cases where duty belts shifted as officers struggled with suspects. Several years ago, a Chattanooga, Tennessee, police officer was killed with her own weapon following a struggle. When she was found, the gun holster side of her duty belt had shifted to the small of her back.

"The whole issue is awareness," said Hamblin. "An officer has to be aware of his or her equipment, themselves and their environment. The duty belt is critial to our safety, and regardless of what model we choose or what weapons we store there, training with it will help prepare us for the worst."

Smith and Hamblin say they were deeply saddened by news of Officer Bowden's death, and they consider her a hero.

"Molly was an excellent officer, and she was the kind of person who never met a stranger. People liked her very much and she was perfect for the job," Chief Boehm told Newsline.

[Arff312]

Ok i recently started with a second security company. For this company i am allowed to carry all the weapons i am certified in. So i had to change my belt set up. All gear is Bianchi accumold Nylon. All is personally owned including my radio. I dont like using company stuff. Ok here it goes.

Double cuff case ( 2 sets of peerless cuffs)
Badge holder (when in polo uniform)
Silent key holder
Stinger case (poly stinger inside)
Leatherman blast
D-Cell holder
Swivel radio case (MT 2000 Radio)
ASP side break holder (26 In. ASP Silver Baton)
MK III Holder (Take down 10% OC)
Nextel Case
Pager/Glove case (2 pairs of gloves)

I will post pictures if wanted. I also have a Basket Weave belt that follows the same set up.

[Bill Warnock]

I am probably going against the grain on this one. Officer Molly Bowden?s murder was a classic example of poor to nonexistent supervision. Why? At guard mount or supervisory briefings and inspection of officers and their equipment would have discovered the problem of unwarranted slack or movement. The supervisor tells an officer to stand fast for equipment check, the officer braces himself or herself. Equipment check includes the checking of break-away tie, if part of a duty uniform and the movement of the belt up and down and moving it from one side to the other to check for excess movement or slack. Correction of the problem may include the repositioning of belt and rig keepers or the addition of one or more keepers. Training and supervision do matter.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

I am probably going against the grain on this one. Officer Molly Bowden?s murder was a classic example of poor to nonexistent supervision. Why? At guard mount or supervisory briefings and inspection of officers and their equipment would have discovered the problem of unwarranted slack or movement. The supervisor tells an officer to stand fast for equipment check, the officer braces himself or herself. Equipment check includes the checking of break-away tie, if part of a duty uniform and the movement of the belt up and down and moving it from one side to the other to check for excess movement or slack. Correction of the problem may include the repositioning of belt and rig keepers or the addition of one or more keepers. Training and supervision do matter.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

You know, that's a good idea, but I wonder how many LE agencies would actually take the time to do that - or if its even practical. Remember how many agencies use take home cars and going 10-8 from the driveway.

Even LEOs are getting minimal amounts of supervision, to the point they get about as much supervision going on and off duty as post working security officers.

[Bill Warnock]

I have a real problem with the lack of supervision you mention N.A. How can you write officer effeciency reports on personnel you rarely see? I guess I had it lucky, a experienced shift captain and a sharp car captain when first in this business.
In order to maintain political correctness, one can assume fellow officers are encouraged to keep their mouths shut when they see a glaring problem. How can I expect backup when my backup just got murdered due to a gear problem.
Getting industrial/commercial security experience I remember well going to an assignment and the person being relieved just shrugged his shoulders when I asked for information about the previous shift. Sometimes the log was scary, his name logging in, logging out and my name logging in. Supervision was spotty at best but that was years ago. From what I've seen and heard, not a lot has improved.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

I have a real problem with the lack of supervision you mention N.A. How can you write officer effeciency reports on personnel you rarely see? I guess I had it lucky, a experienced shift captain and a sharp car captain when first in this business.
In order to maintain political correctness, one can assume fellow officers are encouraged to keep their mouths shut when they see a glaring problem. How can I expect backup when my backup just got murdered due to a gear problem.
Getting industrial/commercial security experience I remember well going to an assignment and the person being relieved just shrugged his shoulders when I asked for information about the previous shift. Sometimes the log was scary, his name logging in, logging out and my name logging in. Supervision was spotty at best but that was years ago. From what I've seen and heard, not a lot has improved.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

Yeppers, that'd be quite a few people I relieved. "Anything happen?" "Bah." "I see." Log reads there was a toxic chemical fire, in this method:

1845 FIRE ! ! !
1900 PPFD said we could come back in.

[bigdog]

for the baton i swear by asp if i works for my local pd its good enough for me.
as far as the oc i dont carry water based unless i have my taser. but usually i ccarry a baton so i stick with oil based

[Charger]

Ok, starting from the buckle, going clockwise..

Bianchi accumold (triple retention buckle) duty belt/inner belt
Agency pager
Cell phone
Punch II MK3 OC in Bianchi holder
*Keeper*
(blank area where my weapon used to be... sigh)
*Keeper*
Leatherman tool in Leatherman holder
Hiatt cuffs in Bianchi holder
Rubber gloves/med kit in Bianchi holder
Hiatt cuffs in Bianchi holder
Stinger XT in Bianchi holder
*Keeper*
Radio in Bianchi holder
Bianchi key holder
*Keeper*
ASP baton in ASP rotating scabbard (carried horizontally across the buckle)

When I used to carry, that agency didn't use pagers, and I kept my cell in my pocket, so that front space on the right is where my double mag would be.. Bianchi double mag holder... my holster was the only non-Bianchi, as I have the Uncle Mike's Pro-3...
A lot of people question my placement of the baton, as it isn't on the 'strong side'... I carry it this way for a couple reasons... 1) it doesn't interfere with drawing my weapon in any way, 2) it blocks access to the belt buckle, as more & more criminals are spending time practicing a quick 'reach & unbuckle' move rather than going straight for the gun.. and if someone WERE to try & grab the ASP all I have to do is twist my body away from them and they either A- lose their grip and balance, or B- twist with me, again losing their balance... 3) from a standard 'conversational' stance (slightly bladed, hands in front of me) I can draw AND extend the ASP in ONE quick easy movement, rather than having to reach behind me, draw, THEN extend...
Although my DT instructor supported the whole 'strong side / weak side' mentality, he was also a big supporter of Officers situating their gear in whatever way works the best for them...

[EMTGuard]

Front left (weak hand) Cell phone
Rear left- Maglight
Rear center- Non-latex glove pouch (latex bad, nitril good)
Rear right- Portable radio
Front right- EMT holster w/shears, bandages scissors, penlight, pocket knife

[1stWatch]

Safariland leather duty belt:
(from left of front center clockwise)
Belt loop
3.17 oz oc spray canister
Keeper
Handgun
Keeper
Open top handcuff case
Open top handcuff case
Keeper (back left)
Keeper (front left)
Straight baton ring
Double magazine holder

[Arff312]

Just an idea but shouldnt this go into the equipment forums ?

[N. A. Corbier]

A handfull of stuff was moved to the new sub-forums, as a sort of "this is the stuff to go here," thing. Moving every topic would be... labor intensive. Especially since Geoff is the only one who can move them, presently.

[Arff312]

Well if Geoff needs another moderator i would be more then happy to volunteer my services.

[davis002]

The pictures should say it all :)

[Charger]

Basketweave... <shudder>... ;)

Nice setup... but what's with the antenna on your radio? LOL

[davis002]

Basketweave... <shudder>... ;)

Nice setup... but what's with the antenna on your radio? LOL

that particular client has terrible, beat up motorola XTN radios :\

[Taser]

From the buckle moving clockwise...

Key Holder (Bianchi Accumold)
Cell phone holder (Nextel)
Open cuff case (Don Hume) Smith & Wesson Cuffs
Baton ring (Bianchi Accumold) with a 26-inch straight baton
Tactical Thigh Rig (Don Hume) with an M18L Taser
KEEPER
Enforcer Holster (Bianchi Accumold) Glock 21
KEEPER
Glove pouch (Bianchi Accumold)
EMPTY SPACE IN BACK
D-Cell flashlight ring (Bianchi Accumold) Streamlight SL-20X
Pepper Spray Holder MK4 closed top (Bianchi Accumold) First Defense spray
Flashlight Holder closed top (Bianchi Accumold) Streamlight Ultra Stinger
Radio Holder (Bianchi Accumold)
Open cuff case (Don Hume) Smith & Wesson cuffs
Double magazine holder (Bianchi Accumold) vertical mount

I hold it all up with a set of ORCA Tactical Suspenders which also act as keepers of course. So, I have the keepers around my gun and also the suspenders basically count as four keepers.

[WKSecurity]

http://www.redlineadrenalin.com/hosting/files/8/Duty%20Belt%20Setup.JPG

From Left to Right

Belt: Bianchi Accumold Elite Sam Browne
1. Small Universal Cell Phone holder with crappy Motorola V180
*KEEPER*
2. Bianchi Accumold Elite Universal Radio Holder w/ Swivel (radio at work)
3. Bianchi Accumold Elite Covered Cuff Case w/ Peerless 801 hinged Cuffs
*KEEPER*
*KEEPER*
4. Dutyman Flashlight Ring w/ Streamlight Ultrastinger Flashlight
5. ASP Sidebreak Scabbard w/ ASP expandable Baton
6. Key Holder
*KEEPER*
7. Bianchi Accumold Elite Pager/Glove Pouch w/ 2 pairs of medical gloves
8. Safariland open top case w/ S&W M-100 chain handcuffs

NOTE: Keepers not shown :D