When night shift officers have to fill out reports or write tickets in their cars, we sometimes forget about the hazards of excessively illuminating ourselves. Turning on the dome light during these activities can be dangerous, as it silhouettes us and takes away our night vision.
I use a small LED light, the Streamlight Clipmate. It’s very bright, and sends a narrow beam of light onto the ticket rather than illuminating the entire passenger compartment. It doesn’t take away my night vision on traffic stops or silhouette me. Those of you who prefer to write your tickets outside the car can clip the light onto your ticket book (of course, always park in well-lit parking lots when doing paperwork).
The Streamlight Clipmate comes with a lifetime warranty, but it’s very tough and sturdy.