What's a practical gift for a newly sworn in Police Officer? [Archive]

turdbocharged

11-22-11, 13:04

My best friend of 16 years is becoming a Police Officer soon, and I would like to get him a gift that is practical. I would like to get him something he can use on a daily basis.

If you are a cop, what item do you think would be appropriate?

Thanks,

Josh

nimdabew

11-22-11, 13:22

A 20 pack of good pens that are disposable.

turdbocharged

11-22-11, 13:28

Thanks lol I never would have guessed pens of all things.

woodandsteel

11-22-11, 13:31

Set of handcuffs with his Name and Badge Number engraved on them. It is amazing how easy it is to lose your handcuffs when you're involved in a multiple arrest situation.

If not that, think of a TDI knife that he can wear on his belt or a pen style handcuff key.

woodandsteel

11-22-11, 13:32

Thanks lol I never would have guessed pens of all things.

Remember the disposable part.

Raven Armament

11-22-11, 13:32

Pencils are better because they can be used in the rain outside. Pen ink smears when wet.

When my cousin became a police officer, I bought him a case of Purell. "What's this for?" Trust me, you'll thank me later. Six weeks into the job, he called me to thank me for the Purell and told me the storied of how he and his FTO (field training officer) handled the smelliest, dirtiest, most horrifying disgusting criminal and it made his day they got to clean up afterward with the Purell I got him. I told him, "Welcome to law enforcement. Told ya so."

turdbocharged

11-22-11, 13:34

Are all Handcuffs created equal? Whats the best place for a civilian to look for such things? Also what is a TDI knife?

NoveskeFan

11-22-11, 13:36

A good knife, flashlight, duty bag, metal forms holder, accident templates, electronic ear pro for range, leather duty gloves, sunglasses...just a few to get you thinking. And congrats to your friend.

Raven Armament

11-22-11, 13:42

Are all Handcuffs created equal? Whats the best place for a civilian to look for such things? Also what is a TDI knife?
http://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Enforcement-Last-Ditch-Knife/dp/B0013LNLNS

S&W and Peerless (IIRC) are the good ones for cuffs.

NoveskeFan

11-22-11, 13:42

Are all Handcuffs created equal? Whats the best place for a civilian to look for such things? Also what is a TDI knife?

ASP cuffs are popular around here. Galls is a good place to start looking for gear. A Ka-Bar TDI: http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/76

woodandsteel

11-22-11, 13:47

I prefer the Peerless. The younger guys seem to like the ASP Cuffs better. I find that the ASP Cuffs bind when I use them.

I'm too lazy to look, but I thnk that Galls may engrave the cuffs that they sell. At leat they did at one time.

This is the style of TDI that I like.
http://www.meijer.com/s/ka-bar-tdi-law-enforcement-knife/_/R-181236;jsessionid=0086C37E9EB46D789AB3CDD0826F1AAD.instance02?CAWELAID=895421131&cmpid=goobase

turdbocharged

11-22-11, 14:06

Thanks everyone these are some fantastic ideas!

CarlosDJackal

11-22-11, 14:19

Fuzzy pink handcuffs. :D

J/K. A gift certificate towards a BUG (I highly recommend the S&W Bodyguard or J-Frame).

bp7178

11-22-11, 15:58

One of our DT instructors is known to break ASP cuffs as a part of his demonstration as why they suck.

Probably one of the best gifts would be a gym membership.

The Cross pen/pencil set is nice too. Probably about $35 bucks give or take.

The mechanical pencil is a good compliment to the pen as it can write in freezing and wet weather.

C4IGrant

11-22-11, 16:36

Training on how to shoot his pistol???

C4

Army Chief

11-22-11, 17:05

Illumination tool(s).

AC

ST911

11-22-11, 17:28

EDC flashlights, pocket folders, handcuffs are common gifts. As are nice pens. A blow out kit would be nice, but not enduring. A pair of decent compact binocs would be useful.

An attache or backpack would be a great gift. Something that isn't uniquely a duty bag, and doesn't scream "COP" would be ideal. That way, he can get more use out of it than just on the job.

I'm big on stuff that isn't obviously or uniquely LE.

Magic_Salad0892

11-22-11, 17:30

Nothing that hasn't already been suggested.

Surefire Light.
Some good mechanical pencils.
Pistol training class.
Hand sanitizer.
A good pair o' cuffs.

Nightvisionary

11-22-11, 17:30

A Spanish language course. In my neck of the woods Spanish speaking deputies get an additional 5% pay.

sff70

11-23-11, 01:34

Software:

Training class from LAV, Pat McNamara, Dave Harrington, etc

Hardwear:

Surefire G2X

Leatherman Wave

fourXfour

11-23-11, 10:05

Rite in the Rain make a neat Field Interview notebook. Lord knows how many times I forgot to ask for a phone number or address when I was new.

http://www.riteintherain.com/inventoryD.asp?item_no=104&CatId={BC7369C1-0893-44F5-BEA3-B581B9F0CAF4}

Sry0fcr

11-23-11, 10:15

Someone else already covered my suggestion for Rite in the Rain

Mauser KAR98K

11-23-11, 12:37

A good supply of latex gloves.

A spell checker.

Yes, disposable pens.

A good light.

Spiffums

11-23-11, 17:46

Moose-Knuckle

11-23-11, 19:19

A good supply of latex gloves.

That was going to be my suggestion as well.

ralph

11-23-11, 20:10

How about a gift card from G&R Tactical?? I know Grant sells them, and this way he can get what he wants..

usmcvet

11-23-11, 21:01

Buy the book Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement:

http://emotionalsurvival.com/

Lots of other good advice already given above. If you buy cuffs get the same type he is carrying. Different cuffs double lock differently. I like Peerless and S&W. And I woukd Run Away from Galls!

kmrtnsn

11-23-11, 21:04

A good knife. I prefer Spyderco Rescue blades myself, alternating between a split blade (half serrated) and one with a fully serrated blade.

ucrt

11-23-11, 21:23

.

SureFire 6P Flashlight with a Malkoff Drop-In Lamp. It is smaller and more powerful than lights twice its size. He'll appreicate the size and power.

Malkoff Lamp (http://www.batteryjunction.com/malkoff-m61.html)

SureFire 6P (http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=6P&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3D6p%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html)

Just a thought

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