By Police1 Staff
The specific needs of female police officers for operational gear highlight a critical area within law enforcement requiring attention. Ensuring that gear fits properly and meets the unique demands of women in the field is not just about comfort but is crucial for their safety, performance, and efficiency.
This focus is essential in providing female officers with the tools they need to perform their duties at the highest level, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and effectiveness in law enforcement equipment.
Building on the foundational advice from Angeleic Huth’s insightful article on essential investments for female officers, we’re taking a step further. This spin-off piece, enriched with real-world suggestions from Police1 readers, explores additional gear that complements the female officer’s toolkit. From gadgets to simple yet crucial items, uncover what Police1 readers recommend to enhance readiness, safety and efficiency for female police officers.
What would you add to the list? Email editor@police1.com.
- Bigfoot Gun Belt for any kind of duty carry. The steel core keeps it from warping the leather.
- Uniform pants with ankle to ankle zippers! I have had them for the past two years and wouldn’t want to live without them now as I no longer have to take off my belt to go to the bathroom. My agency issues jumpsuits to patrol officers and we purchase our jumpsuits from Sound Uniform Solutions. Ankle to ankle zippers are an option when ordering. The jumpsuits are tailored to each officer and are expensive, around $450 each, and come in all-weather (lined with water-resistant fabric), summer weight or winter weight (fleece lined). For women who wear regular uniform pants, a long zipper (twice the length of inseam) could be added to the inside seam of any pants by an alterations shop. It doesn’t chafe or irritate my legs at all and is so nice to have!
- Extra keepers to keep belt in place when using the restroom. There’s not enough time to take everything off.
- Rubber updo donut bun clip is a must to keep hair in a small tight bun for safety.
- Quality non-cotton padded socks. Thorlos has some good ones. Spend the money and they last a very long time. Also, an extra set of underclothes and socks, just in case.
- Belts for open-carry detectives.
- A women’s beanie or hat with a ponytail/bun opening (Turtle Fur is a good brand).
- Women’s crew ribbed tank tops for summertime (Target has some for $8).
- Women’s L/S shirt and tights for cold weather (Costco has some good ones).
- High-quality compression socks.
- A duty belt made for women. It has a curve at the small of the back that prevents bunching and reduces the pain of your holster (and pistol) digging into your hips.
- A “go-bag” for yourself containing Tylenol, contact lens case (if applicable), saline solution (travel size), chapstick, a couple of Band-Aids, a small tube of Neosporin, a couple of alcohol wipes, a small tube of body lotion, emery board, etc. Also layers (Cuddl Duds) for cooler weather. Wool socks/hose are also excellent choices for keeping warm!
- Recently I started using the new suspenders offered by Blauer. They have been wonderful in relieving my lower back pain. I’ve been an officer for 16 years and this has been one of my best purchases.
- Bra!!! It’s hard to find a bra that is comfortable under body armor.
