Police Officer Weapons & Equipment Guide: Standard Issue Gear

Police officers carry a range of weapons and equipment to protect both themselves and their communities. From standard firearms to non-lethal options, modern law enforcement relies on various tools to maintain public safety.

Standard Police Firearms

The most common police sidearm today is the semi-automatic pistol. Glock dominates the market, with the Glock 17 and Glock 19 leading department choices nationwide. The Glock 22 in .40 S&W remains particularly popular among American law enforcement agencies.

Many departments now equip their officers with optics-ready pistols. These modern handguns feature slides cut for red dot sights and tactical lights. Night sights come standard on most police pistols, improving accuracy in low-light conditions.

The FBI currently issues the Glock 19M as their primary sidearm. LAPD officers carry the FN 509 MRD-LE or Smith & Wesson M&P. The NYPD issues the Glock 17 Gen 4 with special 15-round magazines.

Department-Issued Long Guns

Most police departments equip patrol cars with:

• AR-15 style rifles
• Pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns
• Less-lethal shotguns for bean bag rounds

The Remington 870 and Benelli M4 Super 90 remain popular police shotgun choices. For rifles, departments often select Smith & Wesson, Colt, or Bushmaster AR-15 variants.

Non-Lethal Police Weapons

Law enforcement officers carry multiple non-lethal options to handle situations without deadly force. These tools help control suspects while minimizing injury risks.

Electric Control Devices

TASER devices lead the electric control category. These tools fire two barbed projectiles that deliver an incapacitating electric charge. Unlike contact stun guns, TASERs work from a distance.

Police favor TASERs because they:

• Stop threats from a safe distance
• Cause temporary incapacitation
• Reduce injury risks compared to impact weapons
• Work through thick clothing

Chemical Agents and Sprays

Pepper spray remains standard equipment for most officers. Modern formulas use capsicum oleoresin (OC) derived from hot peppers. OC spray offers several advantages:

• Non-vaporizing formula
• Minimal cross-contamination risk
• Effective temporary incapacitation
• Works on aggressive subjects

For crowd control, police may deploy tear gas through:

• Handheld grenades
• Shotgun rounds
• Grenade launchers

Impact Weapons

Police batons have evolved from simple wooden nightsticks. Modern versions include:

• Straight batons (12-36 inches)
• Side-handle batons
• Expandable/collapsible batons
• Composite material construction

Some advanced batons incorporate:

• Built-in flashlights
• Electric charge capability
• Control grip surfaces
• Special impact surfaces

Police Protective Equipment

Modern officers carry more protective gear than ever before. This equipment keeps them safe during dangerous situations.

Body Armor

Bulletproof vests are essential police equipment. Most use Kevlar fiber technology that:

• Stops handgun rounds
• Blocks knife attacks
• Allows freedom of movement
• Can be worn under uniforms

Special units may use enhanced ceramic plate carriers that protect against rifle fire. Bomb disposal teams employ even heavier armor suits.

Duty Belt Equipment

Standard police duty belts hold:

• Primary handgun
• Spare ammunition magazines
• Handcuffs (metal and plastic)
• Radio holder
• OC spray holder
• Expandable baton
• TASER holster
• Latex glove pouch
• Key clips

Additional Protective Gear

Officers also carry:

• First aid kits
• Tactical gloves
• Flashlights
• Body cameras
• Radio microphones

Police Weapon Policies

Departments strictly control what weapons officers can carry. Most agencies require regular qualification and training with all authorized weapons.

Standard Issue vs Personal Weapons

Some departments issue standard weapons to all officers. Others allow officers to purchase approved firearms from a list. Common requirements include:

• Specific calibers (.9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP)
• Minimum magazine capacity
• Required safety features
• Approved manufacturers
• Regular inspections

International Police Weapons

Police weapon policies vary greatly worldwide. Some key differences:

Armed Forces:

• United States – Standard armed police
• United Kingdom – Primarily unarmed (except Northern Ireland)
• New Zealand – Armed response units only
• Norway – Firearms require chief approval

Military Police Forces:

• Common in developing nations
• Often carry automatic weapons
• Higher incident rates
• Less restrictive policies

Modern Police Weapon Trends

Police weapons continue evolving with new technology. Current trends include:

Optics and Accessories

More departments now authorize:

• Red dot sights
• Weapon-mounted lights
• Enhanced night sights
• Modular rail systems

Caliber Changes

Many departments are switching back to 9mm from .40 S&W due to:

• Improved ammunition technology
• Better recoil control
• Higher capacity magazines
• Lower ammunition costs

Advanced Non-Lethal Options

New less-lethal weapons include:

• PepperBall systems
• Sonic devices
• Light-based disruptors
• Advanced TASERs

Police K-9 Units

Police dogs serve as important law enforcement tools. Common breeds include:

• German Shepherds
• Belgian Malinois
• Bloodhounds
• Labrador Retrievers

K-9 Applications

Police dogs assist with:

• Suspect apprehension
• Drug detection
• Explosive detection
• Missing person searches
• Evidence recovery

Specialized Police Equipment

SWAT and tactical units carry enhanced gear:

• Automatic weapons
• Precision rifles
• Breaching tools
• Flash-bang devices
• Advanced armor
• Night vision equipment

Surveillance Tools

Modern police use various surveillance equipment:

• Body cameras
• Dash cameras
• Thermal imaging
• Audio recording devices
• License plate readers

Police Equipment Maintenance

Officers must maintain all weapons and equipment. Regular requirements include:

• Cleaning after each use
• Professional inspections
• Scheduled maintenance
• Performance testing
• Parts replacement

Storage Requirements

Departments mandate secure storage for:

• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Less-lethal weapons
• Tactical equipment
• Sensitive electronics

Police weapons and equipment continue evolving to meet modern challenges. From advanced firearms to cutting-edge non-lethal options, officers carry an array of tools to serve and protect their communities effectively.