There is little more satisfying than buying stuff. Buying stuff without going to the store is even better. Buying stuff toward the end of your shift in the report room on your phone is the absolute best.
With Amazon Prime Day coming up on July 11 and 12, it might be time for the new cops to pull some of that special assignment overtime and for the veterans to dip into that longevity pay.
Here are some of the cop-related gear I hope goes on sale.
FLIR Scout Thermal Imaging Monocular
This is one of my favorite purchases. Any cop who works the night shift appreciates thermal imaging technology. Still, I’m not aware of any departments that have issued these units to every officer in their organization. The professional models price well into the four-digit range and it’s just not realistic to have dozens of them floating around in every patrol car. However, if one were so inclined, there is a much more affordable option for the individual officer. The FLIR Scout series offers some very affordable options. The Scout is a compact thermal camera that I’ve used at work more than a few times for the usual missions.
And, there are a few personal uses for a FLIR Scout outside of work. I personally owe FLIR for my dogs not being sprayed by a skunk in the backyard one time and for helping me to locate burning embers that were smoldering after a nearby grassfire while camping. It’s also really fun if you like gadgets.
5.11 Tactical Wingman Patrol Bag
I bought a 5.11 patrol bag more years ago than I care to share and it is still more than serviceable. The 5.11 Tactical Wingman Patrol Bag is one of the newer iterations of my bag. If you don’t have a take-home unit, these things are pure gold. You simply take your gear bag, wrap the strap over the headrest of the passenger seat and you’re 10-8. Really, it works just as well if you do have a company car.
Waterproof Notepads
Rite in the Rain notepads are invaluable for working the streets or attending outdoor classes. There’s little more frustrating than taking copious notes on a call or in training only to find out that precious information has been obliterated by rain or perspiration.
Professional development
Never stop improving yourself. Never stop learning. Never stop honing your skills. Books are one of the best ways to do that. Planning on taking a promotional exam sometime in the future? You’d better read promotion exam books. Are you planning to succeed in that quest? You’d better ready leadership books.
Skill development
Being a firearms instructor, I’m always trying to find ways to help my officers improve and become more comfortable with their shooting skills. One of the most common struggles for officers is shooting under time, for example, during a qualification. Using a quality shot timer like the Pocket Pro during your personal practice time can really help inoculate the stress away and create a more confident and competent shooter.
Hygiene
No one ever accused me of shying away from uncomfortable topics. Maintaining hygiene in this job is a problem. Body armor technology is as good as it’s ever been and this issue still exists: They’re hard to clean and they stink! You get home after a hot day, anxious to enjoy some air conditioning and take off that body armor. What is the next thing you experience? Evil emanations from the inside of your vest.
The same goes for the patrol car and our duty boots. There is a solution: Odor Crusher. It’s a small business whose been battling big pungency for years. The company’s products produce Ozone (O3) in some kind of science-y type way that isn’t important. You turn it on and the stench is converted to the cleansing smell of an indoor swimming pool. There’s an added bonus that O3 kills all kinds of microscopic menaces including, MRSA, salmonella, norovirus and E. coli. When you’re done de-stinking your vest hang it up on this Tactical Hanger.
Speaking of uncomfortable: Dude Wipes is a game-changer in the area of field comfort. I don’t know of any public building or private business that has a quality kit for this particular mission.
Get spoiled
There’s nothing wrong with spoiling yourself occasionally when funds permit. If you find yourself with a few extra bucks from your overtime work, side gig, or longevity bonus, check out Amazon Prime Day on July 11 and 12.
