Tactical gear is known to be in wide use among military units and law enforcement personnel. The bulk of military and police equipment can be qualified as tactical gear. We can be confident in saying that tactical products are highly desirable as modern law enforcement tools.

Commercial tactical gear may be made for civilians, but high-quality tactical products offer the same durability and functionality as the police equipment. The same design principles apply to both, after all. Trusted equipment makers like 14er Tactical ensure that their tactical gear offerings are close to military grade.

We’re gonna take a closer look at how the police make use of tactical gear in their operations. We believe this will grant us new insights into how one can find practical uses for tactical and safety gear in civilian life.

Tactical Gear in Policing

What types of tactical gear are police officers equipping nowadays? You’ll find that they often require ballistic safety gear to protect them when they get in harm’s way. This type of tactical gear is made of either Kevlar or ballistic nylon. It comes in handy when a law enforcer is responding to a threatening situation, such as dealing with a live shooter. 

Law enforcement clothing is often classified as tactical gear. We’re talking gloves, pants, jackets, vests, accessories and headgear. The functionality of each item may differ depending on the use case it is intended for. Some tactical pants may prioritize extra storage⁠—having more pockets, basically. Other tactical pants might emphasize personnel protection⁠—having tough knee pads built in, for example. This can also be seen as an example of safety gear.

Bags and carriers can also be classified as tactical gear. Tactical backpacks are prized by law enforcement due to having designs that fit an armed responder’s needs. The 14er Tactical Backpack, for example, comes with a CC pocket for the convenience of the armed and ready. A police tactical backpack may have a similar design, but would be more for carrying a firearm rather than concealment. 

Tactical knives and flashlights are good examples of modern law enforcement tools. These items are labeled “tactical” are they are designed for a specific purpose: to facilitate a tactical response. A tactical flashlight can be used for self-defense, for example. Its bright light can blind a threatening opponent, and its body is sturdy enough to let you use the flashlight as a striking weapon in a pinch.

Know Your Law Enforcement Training Equipment

A broader definition of “tactical gear” would include equipment that is used for tactical training. Police need to maintain their tactical skills, from shooting to threat assessment to outdoor survival. They rely on good training equipment to achieve top notch results.

Shooting is obviously a major focus for both law enforcers and civilians who wish to train their tactical skills. Ideally, you’ll want to practice shooting at a firing range, which provides a space where you can safely shoot⁠—and just as importantly, view the results to let you know how much you are progressing as a shooter. Firing ranges also have instructors who can help you improve your technique.

A range bag is a key item of tactical gear for anyone who regularly practices shooting. This type of bag will ensure that your firearms and ammo are well protected and organized for transport. Using a range bag makes you look professional and tactically smart⁠—a lot like the law enforcement personnel you wish to emulate! 

Check Your First Aid Response Equipment!

Another major category of “tactical gear” comprises emergency and rescue equipment. Law enforcement and other first responders will usually have an MFAK at close hand. A civilian is unlikely to need something like that, but would greatly benefit from carrying an IFAK or AFAK at all times. Let’s break down the terms we’re using:

• IFAK - an individual first aid kit, containing supplies to treat its owner
• AFAK - an advanced version of the IFAK that may be bulkier and not as portable
• MFAK - a multiple first aid kit, this would contain enough supplies to treat multiple emergency victims, and can be rather bulky; often stored in a vehicle

If you’re putting together a first aid kit, be well informed of the essential supplies it should contain. Then make sure that you keep everything inside durable protective storage. We recommend using an IFAK pouch for the best results.

An IFAK pouch facilitates quick deployment of emergency supplies. The pouch can be clipped or strapped onto a backpack with a MOLLE system, such as the 14er Tactical Backpack. That gives you quick and easy access to it.

Admiring the Versatility of Tactical Gear

Many modern law enforcement tools have versatile uses. We know that we described “tactical gear” as being designed for a specific purpose. But despite that, tactical gear can still be highly versatile. The toughness of the gear means it can handle some less-than-ideal use cases at times!

You can also find plenty of examples of tactical products that are specifically designed for versatility. The classic multi-tool comes to mind! You know what they say, always have the right tool for the job! You can’t be lugging around a whole bunch of tools all the time, though. A multi-tool provides varied functionality while economizing storage space and being easy to carry. You can use it for all kinds of activities: hiking, camping, crafts, repairs, fishing, hunting and even self-defense!

Tactical backpacks offer great versatility as well. These types of backpacks will usually feature a MOLLE system, which is a military-style design that lets you configure the bag to suit your preferences. You can attach or detach compartments and pouches. Due to the ease of customization it offers, the 14er Tactical Backpack is a prime choice for a modular pack with malleable functionality.

Additional Resources to Consider

Police equipment and commercial tactical products share a great many similarities. They tend to offer much the same functionality and level of quality⁠—and that means durability. Both types of gear tend to excel in fulfilling a specific purpose: efficient deployment, personal protection, firearm handling, etc. 

If you’re interested in exploring the topic further, we’ve found some articles you may want to check out:

• Equipment and Tactics
• Safety and Tactical Gear
• Introduction to Law Enforcement Tactical Gear
• Importance of Police Officers Having the Right Gear

And don’t forget to look around the 14er Tactical Resources blog for even more great thinkpieces and guides:

• Can Civilians Wear Tactical Gear? A Comprehensive Guide
• What is Ballistic Nylon? The Origins and More
• What Is Kevlar? The Advanced Material that Stops Bullets
• The Evolution of Bulletproof: A Deep Dive into SAPI Technology
• Unlocking the Versatility of Your 14er Tactical Range Bag
• From Amateur to Pro: How a Range Bag Can Elevate Your Shooting Game
• First Aid Face-Off: IFAK Pouch versus the Standard First Aid Kit
• The Essential Role of Tactical Gear in Search and Rescue Operations: A Comprehensive Guide