Primary Use Cases
Daily Patrol Operations
Standard 8-12 hour patrol shifts, vehicle-based, routine calls, traffic stops, community interaction
Essential Equipment:
- ✓Level IIIA soft body armor - concealable or external carrier
- ✓Duty belt with Level 3 holster (Safariland 6360/7360)
- ✓Tactical boots - comfortable for 12-hour shifts (5.11 A.T.A.C., Bates)
- ✓Duty flashlight - Streamlight Stinger or similar (500+ lumens)
- ✓Backup equipment - extra magazines, handcuffs, gloves
- ✓Patrol bag - 25-37L for vehicle (RUSH 24, gym bag)
Optional/Specialized:
- ○Plate carrier with Level III/IV plates (vehicle-staged for callouts)
- ○Rain gear/cold weather layers for extended outdoor calls
- ○Body camera and recording equipment
- ○Less-lethal options (OC spray, taser, baton)
SWAT/Tactical Team Operations
High-risk operations, warrant service, active threats, specialized missions requiring tactical equipment
Essential Equipment:
- ✓Level III or IV hard armor plates in quality carrier (Crye JPC, First Spear)
- ✓Tactical helmet - ballistic or bump depending on threat assessment
- ✓Primary weapon system with optic (rifle or carbine)
- ✓Communication equipment - radio with PTT, earpiece
- ✓IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) with tourniquets and trauma supplies
- ✓Breaching/entry tools if assigned role
- ✓Knee and elbow pads for prone work
- ✓Tactical backpack for extended operations (Mystery Ranch, RUSH 72)
Optional/Specialized:
- ○Night vision equipment if team has capability
- ○Ballistic shield for shield team members
- ○Rappelling/climbing equipment for special teams
- ○Gas mask for chemical agent deployment
Detective/Investigative Work
Plainclothes operations, interviews, surveillance, evidence collection, court appearances
Essential Equipment:
- ✓Concealable Level IIIA body armor under clothing
- ✓Low-profile holster - Level 2 retention (Safariland 7378)
- ✓Professional concealed carry clothing (not overtly tactical)
- ✓Compact flashlight for discrete carry
- ✓Evidence collection kit and camera
- ✓Professional bag for files/laptop (not tactical pack)
- ✓Badge and credentials case
Optional/Specialized:
- ○Recording equipment for interviews
- ○Binoculars for surveillance work
- ○Tactical gear staged in vehicle for callouts
- ○Additional documentation equipment
K9 Handler Operations
Patrol with K9 partner, tracking, building searches, apprehension, narcotics/explosives detection
Essential Equipment:
- ✓Standard patrol gear plus K9-specific items
- ✓Extended leash and tracking line for searches
- ✓K9 first aid kit (separate from personal IFAK)
- ✓Water and bowl for K9
- ✓Bite sleeve/equipment for training
- ✓Larger vehicle bag for K9 equipment (50L+)
- ✓Durable gloves for handling
Optional/Specialized:
- ○Thermal imaging for tracking
- ○Additional protective gear for handler
- ○Specialized K9 equipment based on discipline
- ○Vehicle climate control for K9
Rural/Remote Area Patrol
Large coverage areas, extended response times, varied terrain, limited backup, self-sufficiency critical
Essential Equipment:
- ✓Standard patrol gear plus extended capabilities
- ✓Rifle with LPVO (1-6x) for distance capability
- ✓Larger pack for extended calls (RUSH 72, 50L+)
- ✓Enhanced first aid beyond basic IFAK
- ✓Emergency supplies (water, food, shelter)
- ✓Better communication equipment (longer range)
- ✓Durable boots for varied terrain (Danner, Salomon)
- ✓Off-road vehicle equipment if applicable
Optional/Specialized:
- ○GPS and navigation equipment
- ○Cold/hot weather specialized gear
- ○Recovery equipment (winch, tow straps)
- ○Enhanced lighting for remote areas
Bike Patrol Operations
Community policing, parks, campuses, events, high visibility, mobile foot patrol
Essential Equipment:
- ✓Lightweight concealable armor or bike patrol vest
- ✓Bike patrol uniform (moisture-wicking, breathable)
- ✓Quality bike helmet with lights
- ✓Compact duty belt or tactical vest for gear
- ✓Hydration system (CamelBak or similar)
- ✓Bike-specific flashlight mounting
- ✓Lightweight boots or tactical shoes
Optional/Specialized:
- ○Panniers or bike bags for equipment
- ○Bike-mounted first aid kit
- ○Community engagement materials
- ○Rain gear for quick access
Specialized Scenarios
Cold Weather Operations
Key Equipment:
- • Insulated base layers
- • Softshell or hardshell jacket
- • Insulated gloves with trigger finger
- • Cold-rated boots
- • Balaclava or face protection
Considerations:
Layer system allows temperature regulation. Ensure gear works with body armor. Test weapon manipulation with gloves.
Hot Weather/Desert
Key Equipment:
- • Moisture-wicking base layers
- • Breathable uniform
- • Hydration system (3L+)
- • Breathable boots
- • Sun protection
Considerations:
Avoid waterproof boots - prioritize breathability. Increase hydration capacity. Monitor for heat stress.
Rainy/Wet Conditions
Key Equipment:
- • GORE-TEX rain jacket
- • Waterproof boots
- • Rain cover for gear/packs
- • Waterproof gloves
- • Dry bags for electronics
Considerations:
Ensure armor carrier has drainage. Test weapon function when wet. Keep spare dry socks available.
Crowd Control/Riot
Key Equipment:
- • Riot helmet with face shield
- • Extended baton
- • Shield (if riot team)
- • Enhanced protection
- • Less-lethal munitions
Considerations:
Team coordination critical. Standardized gear across unit. Enhanced communication in loud environment.
Building/Room Clearing
Key Equipment:
- • Compact weapon setup
- • Bright flashlight/weapon light
- • Clear communication
- • Knee pads
- • Compact plate carrier
Considerations:
Mobility is key - avoid bulky gear. Practice tactics with your exact loadout. Team standardization for tactics.
Vehicle Operations
Key Equipment:
- • Compact duty setup
- • Quick-release seat belt cutter
- • Vehicle-accessible rifle
- • Staged tactical gear
- • Window breaker
Considerations:
Test all gear while seated in vehicle. Quick access to escalation options. Practice vehicle egress with gear.