By Jessica Miller, GSA Contracts Administrator at Unifire Inc., August 12, 2021

Essential Equipment for Essential Workers

The duty belt is the core of law enforcement officers' uniforms, making essential equipment readily accessible in any situation. Often weighing more than 20lbs, law enforcement must carefully select what will be entrusted on their belts.

A variety of tools to be selected carefully

Handcuffs

The restraint devices adopted by virtually all law enforcement agencies, handcuffs come in three main types: chain, hinged and rigid. Available in different combinations of steel and/or weight-saving aluminum, handcuffs are manufactured to withstand the most demanding situations. The popular chain cuffs are fast and easy to apply but allow the subject the most freedom of movement. Hinged cuffs reduce the movement to one axis but are therefore harder to apply in some circumstances. Finally, rigid cuffs maximize restraint and minimize the subject's mobility, however, they require more skills and training to apply them properly.

Baton

The baton, in fixed-length or expandable forms, with multiple variations from straight-batons to side-handled, has gained worldwide acceptance as the intermediate force weapon of choice for law enforcement officials, carried as a compliance tool but also as a defensive weapon. Straight-stick batons have been around since the dawn of policing and most officers and agencies now favor the more versatile and easy-to-carry expandable baton. Available in steel and weight-saving steel/aluminum combinations, the expandable baton can easily collapse, reducing its space on the belt.

Tactical Lights

An officer essential, the tactical light allows officers better visibility in dark environments but is also an important tool in detecting signs of impairment. Made of durable material such as anodized aluminum, giving it the ability to withstand the toughest situations, the light can also be used as a compliance tool when necessary.

Sprays

Officers worldwide carry a variety of aerosol chemical irritants in a detachable holder or a pouch. Sprays are commonly referred to as pepper spray or mace and provide officers with another incapacitating alternative before resorting to lethal force.

Takeaway

The duty belt is the tool chest of every law enforcement officer, and ASP, proudly distributed by Unifire, is trusted with more space on officer duty belts than any other single brand, providing law enforcement with state-of-the-art handcuffs, batons, tactical lights and sprays. ASP also offers tuition-free training and instructor courses designed to acquaint participants with operational use of their products

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About ASP

ASP is single-mindedly focused on providing uncompromising tools and training to help law enforcement professionals perform their duties with maximum effectiveness and safety.

ASP provides a fully integrated family of best-in-class products, including batons, restraints, flashlights, and duty gear to carry it. With its ASP training division, including the ASP Instructor Certification, ASP offers gold standard training programs for all its products.

For more information about ASP's products sold and distributed by Unifire, visit www.unifireusa.com or contact us at +1 (800) 745.3282 | +1 (509) 535.7746 or via email at inquiries@unifireusa.com