Duty Gear: Flashlights

Posted by: Blue

I have two flashlights. The main one is an XTAR TZ20 820 max. lumen tactical flashlight. It runs on either 2 - CR123 batteries, or 1 - 18650 or 1 - 17670 rechargeable battery.

The other is a Surefire 6PX Pro with a 320 lumen high and 15 lumen low output. I keep the Surefire on the shoulder of my vest for hands free lighting while reading licenses and writing in the dark. It runs on the same batteries as the XTAR, but will not accept the 18650 cells. 

I always keep 2 spare batteries in my vest. One for each light. 

Duty Gear: Knife

Posted by: Blue

There is no standard issue knife, however officers are permitted to carry a knife for use as a tool, provided it fits into the following categories:

1. It must be a folding knife; no fixed blades
2. It must have a blade of 4" or less
3. It must be carried on the person in an inconspicuous, place which is difficult for a subject to grab
4. It may not be carried on the duty belt in a holster

I carry a Spyderco Endura4 with a stainless steel handle and VG-10 steel blade.  It rides in my right hand front pocket and is obstructed from sight and reach by the barrel portion of my pistol holster.  I also carry it in my pocket daily off-duty.  Fantastic knife.

A multi-tool may also be carried, and this may be mounted to the duty belt.  I carry a Gerber Suspension in a sheath at the 4:30 position on my duty belt.  Off duty, I always have my Leatherman Surge.

Duty Gear: OC Spray

Posted by: Blue

We carry Sabre Red Crossfire OC Spray which dispenses in a stream, rather than a mist or a gel.

It contains 1.33% Oleoresin Capsicum.  It's approximately 1.5 to 2 times stronger than the average bear spray.

Duty Gear: Cuffs

Posted by: Blue

I carry 2 pair of Smith and Wesson Model 100 Handcuffs in Nickel Finish.

Per policy, no other style of cuffs are approved for duty use.

Leg restraint options include a RIPP Hobble, or Peerless Shackles.

Welfare

Posted by: Blue

I found out the other day that I net a whopping $100 or so more a month than a welfare recipient with the same amount of dependants.

Of course, I come out behind in the end, because I have to pay for a vehicle, fuel and insurance to drive to work.  Plus, I have to work...

Tax freedom day is somewhere in mid-June for Canadians.

Promotions

Posted by: Blue

The promotions list came out today.  Our shift had one Constable vying for Patrol Sergeant.

He was not listed in the Order that came out via e-mail.

Here's hoping he's the Bridesmaid and someone up the ladder retires soon.  He'd make a fantastic supervisor.

Only a Little

Posted by: Blue

Last night I spotted headlights coming my direction Eastbound in the Westbound lanes.

The car quickly darted the wrong way down the street for half a block and then slid over into the correct lanes when he came to the next break in the median.

I pulled him over at the intersection.  I got out and asked him for his licence, explaining that I was pulling him over for driving the wrong way down the street.

"Well, yeah, but it was only about 50 feet."

"You only drove 50 feet the wrong way down the street?" I asked.

"Yeah."

"OK. Sit tight for a few."

I typed him in.  He had one or two tags from quite some time ago.  I went back to the window.

"Robert, would you drive 50 feet the wrong way down this major street in the wrong direction in rush hour traffic?"

"Well, no..."

"OK.  Do you realize how silly it sounds to tell me that it was only 50 feet?"

"I guess so... I just couldn't turn left there..."

"If I had to explain this whole conversation to a judge in traffic court, what do you think he would say?"

"He'd say 'guilty' ".

"Yes he would.  Drive more carefully please.  Have a good night."