Police Equipment must also be in top condition and function properly at all times. Once a policeman goes out on duty he is relying on the Police Equipment that has been assigned to him to carry him safely through his scheduled work shift. Improperly functioning equipment can put many lives in a dangerous situation, or make the apprehension of any criminals much more difficult.

Several types and kinds of equipment can be classified as Police Equipment. The car he is driving, the gun he carries, the handcuffs, the baton, the two-way radio, and more are all classified as official Police Equipment. If any one of these fails to work properly, the police officer can be in big trouble. A car that is not running right can make chasing speeding vehicles literally impossible. A gun has to be in absolutely top shape, not only as a means of protection, but when used to arrest and detain criminals. Handcuffs are one thing that an officer needs when he stops and apprehends and places someone under arrest. Any one of these pieces of equipment, if not working, as they should, can put the life of the police officer in dire jeopardy.

Many other things can be deemed as Police Equipment. A traffic officer needs to wear a special, highly visible police vest when he is standing in the road directing traffic either on a regular basis, or directing the flow of vehicles around an accident scene. He will have a need for a powerful, high beam flashlight if he is on foot patrol. Batons are carried by almost every patrol officer, and are an effective means of crowd control.

Many officers in certain areas do their patrols on horseback. This animal is a very important item of Police Equipment, and the officer will be dependent on the highly trained horses they use. These animals are efficient at controlling unruly crowds and any situation that may be potentially hazardous for spectators and civilians. Rider and horse must function as a team to be effective.

There are many minor items that can fall into the category of Police Equipment, also. The hat, the gloves, the special boots one wears, pepper spray, mace, and even the sunglasses he wears when he is out in the sunlight. If you cant see in the blinding sun, you can't perform your duties, as you should be able to. A police officer has a hard enough job to do without having all the essential Police Equipment he needs, and in proper working order. They are not going to be able to serve and protect the public if they are lacking essential equipment, no matter how minor that equipment may be.

A good law officer will check to see that all the Police Equipment that has been assigned to him or her is in proper working order before the patrol even begins, or before they leave the building. The safety of the officer and the public they have sworn to protect is at stake every time.