Know What You Need

"If you don't know what your gear will do BEFORE you need it – you are putting your life at risk." -Dave Young

The situation is WAY more common than you realize: An officer is issued a piece of gear and equipment that has been selected for them to use in a process consisting of one of two typical protocols.

1. Administrative Protocol – The administrative protocol is based on price and appearance. That means the person who has selected this piece of gear and equipment probably browsed the internet and catalogs looking at the many options to choose from. In this process, it's a good bet the person choosing the item WILL NOT BE THE ONE using it, or is NOT currently assigned the duties the gear will be needed to perform.
2. Operational Protocol – The operational protocol is based on durability, functionality and serviceability, and means there is a committee in place within the agency with an established method for testing and evaluating the performance requirements of the gear or equipment BEFORE the purchase. This committee usually consists of 5-7 officers from within the agency from various levels of experience and job performances. For example, the holster committee should have officers who are currently in the field and who will be required to use the holster as the result of the committee recommendations. This helps establish the guidelines so the purchasing officer can make the proper decision based on the needs of the field, not the budgetary restraints of the agency

It has been proven time and time again that having the right gear saves lives. Shouldn't that make the selection process more substantial than how a piece of gear looks and/or costs? I have learned over the last 30 years that, no matter what a manufacturer tells you about a product, the officer in the field is the one that has to live with it and perform his or her duties. Be smart, discern what is NOT said and then check it yourself. To conclude, I've tested, researched and evaluated what is out there and I have been working with committees for years – if you need some help or guidance, ask me.