Police officers often carry a multitude of gear for their use in communication, self-defense, apprehension and various other equipment for various other purposes during their day to day activities. Lets look at each of of the different equipment that an officer needs in order to be effective in their jobs.

Communication Equipment

Communication is a vital part of law enforcement, peace officers communicate with one another via a two way radio or radios in their vehicles and computers. The rapid advancement of technology has made computers a necessity in every police agency. Computers help peace officers with dispatch, in making background checks, making reports and various other reports. In recent years, police cars were equipped with these hi-tech computers to help them become more efficient in crime prevention and resolution.

Weapons

Most police officer units carry a form of firearm both lethal and non-lethal depending on what which department or group they belong. Non-lethal firearms may include the following batons, riot control agents, rubber bullets, tasers, stun guns, pepper spray and shields.

Depending on the situation a peace officer may carry a firearm. Even though they carry weapons it is only to be used to maim or to disable a suspect when confronted, it is not used to kill unless the situation calls for it. An agent of the law is called upon to serve and protect, and preserve life not take it.

Vehicles

Another important piece of equipment are police vehicles. It is used by the police to chase criminals on highways, for transporting and holding suspects, for patrolling areas, and basically their main form of transport in their everyday activities.

Most common of these vehicles are four door sedans, customized to fit the needs of the law enforcement agencies needs, some states even have high end patrol cars to keep up with over-speeding fugitives.

Motorcycles are also used, as they can fit through tighter spaces a car cannot fit or if traffic in the city is really bad like in New York. Another mode of transport - the bicycle is also used by several agencies in more densely populated areas were big motorcycles and cars aren't practical like in parks or in beaches.

There are a other types of vehicles used aside from the 3 mentioned above and these include helicopters, airplanes, hovercrafts, trucks, vans, vehicles with all terrain capabilities, and armored trucks (for SWAT).

Other police officer equipment include defibrillators, fire extinguishers, flashlight, whistle, cuffs, notebooks and more.

To find out more about police training equipment please visit our site at howtobecomeapoliceofficernow.com

Before you submit your application and spending a dime, it makes good sense to know the job requirements for police officer. Find out more about these qualifications in the article below to help you get a head start in your quest.

What are the minimum and maximum age requirements?

In most states the minimum age requirement is 21 years of age, maximum is around 34 to 37 though there are departments that don't have a maximum age requirement.

What are the academic requirements?


While a number of departments will just require a high school diploma, there are more and more agencies that want applicants to have at least 2 year associates degree and a minimum GPA score. Applicants with a military background can have 1 year of that requirement waived. Higher education must come from an accredited institution.

Is work experience needed?

Yes, you'll need at least a couple of years of real word experience in the following areas:

• Community work which involves working with the disabled, elderly, youth or recovering drug addicts and alcoholics.
• Work that involves solving problems and issues.

A positive work history is a big plus as well as working with people with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds because this demonstrates your excellent communication skills that will be needed when you join the police.

What are the competencies needed?

• A perspective police officers needs to learn new things and quickly apply them in their work.
  
• Should be able to communicate effectively both written and verbal.
• Work efficiently and effectively in a team or as an individual.
• Be able to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages and gender.
• Should accept responsibilities of their actions whether good or bad.
• Be able to creatively solve problems
• Must be able to serve efficiently with courtesy, responsiveness and competence.
• Should be literate in using computers to produce reports and other important information.
• Must be able to exercise good judgement in high stress situations.
• Can adapt to any situation despite changes in the work environment.
• Must be able to defend themselves and be knowledgeable in the use of fire ams and firearm safety.

What are the physical requirements?

• Should have a visual acuity of at least 20/30 in each eye without any noticeable red-green deficiency in color vision and without any dimming of red objects.
• No significant loss of peripheral vision.
• Must not have a hearing deficiency of greater than 46 decibels.

What are the character traits needed?

Police officers need to have integrity, honesty, good judgement and a good communicator which will eventually be discovered during the background investigation.

What are the possible dis-qualifiers?

• Felony convictions are automatic dis-qualifiers.
• Misdemeanor conviction within the last 36 months.
• Any type of domestic violation or conviction or if any restraining order has been slapped against you.
• If you've been found to have may false statements or omissions in the application form.

This and other law enforcement qualifications can be accessed through our web site.