Law Enforcement 2023
LE protective gear continues to evolve with the times.
By Michael D. Faw
The 2023 SHOT Show continued to see the unveiling of more gear to aid and protect law enforcement (LE) members—and many military personnel—in the performance of their duties. And though bulletproof vests, armored cars, and true big-bore firearms were present everywhere, other new gear that will soon be on the streets and battlefields was also in abundance and on display.
Feet First
Failing footwear is the equivalent of a flat tire. Everyone walking the beat—and running across battlefields—needs footwear they can depend upon. It’s always important to buy the best footwear available that meets the challenges of the typical terrain encountered.
LOWA has been producing footwear for more than 100 years and offers many models of tactical boots, including the company’s new Zephyr MK2 boot. This well-built boot, lined with breathable Gore-Tex, utilizes an updated version of the PU MONOWRAP frame and features the new LOWA X-Track military outsole that is slip, heat, and fuel-oil resistant. The MK2 has a lace holster at the top of the tongue to secure the laces. A larger loop on the back aids the wearer with pulling on the boot—even with gloved hands. The Combat MK2 boot has a better arch built into the boot’s sole to aid those who must go up and down ropes as well as a special leather treatment that reflects heat to keep the wearer’s feet cooler in warmer environments. (lowaboots.com)
Belleville Boots is an Illinois-based manufacturer that has been supplying boots (including the unique Jungle Boot) to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force since 1907. Belleville is offering more than a dozen new models in 2023, including the tan AMRAP BV505—a durable military boot with athletic footwear features. The BV505 is 8 inches tall, has sides constructed of cattle hide and nylon, and features an expanded TPU midsole and rubber outsole. A stabilizer strap adds to heel and ankle support, and the moisture-wicking lining adds to wearer comfort in multiple terrains. (bellevilleboot.com)
Socks are also an important component of footwear. Carolina Hosiery now offers the Merino wool Mid-Calf Boot Sock and the Over The Calf Boot Sock. Both utilize a seamless-toe design for enhanced comfort.
“A good sock is as important as a good boot,” said Krista Hall, Carolina Hosiery marketing coordinator. “Merino wool has great properties and helps keep feet warm as needed—or wicks and cools as needed. It’s a durable and great year-round material for sock construction and to ensure wearer comfort.”
The Mid-Calf and Over The Calf socks are 70 percent Merino wool, provide arch support, and have reinforced heels and toes to ensure long-time use by the wearer. A lighter 60 percent Merino wool sock is also available. Available colors are coyote and military green. (carolinahosiery.com)
Hands and Eyes
The hands also have new cover options. Ironclad Performance Wear offers more than a dozen tactical gloves designed to protect LE officers. Its durable gloves (with and without full fingers) offer various traction properties that are also oil and gas resistant. The new EXO Operator Grip has a silicone-under-suede palm for comfort and protection, a breathable polyester back, neoprene knuckle impact protection, and a terry cloth sweat wipe. Color options are black, coyote, and OD Green. (ironclad.com)
Bolle Safety offers nearly a dozen models of eyewear. The new Tryon and Sentinel eyeglasses defend against fog and scratches, thanks to a proprietary platinum coating that’s applied in a specialized dipping process. The lenses can be changed on several models by removing and reinstalling the arms on each side. Bolle Sentinel eyewear is also rated for ballistic protection and is offered in smoke, copper, and polarized tints.
“Our eyewear products are made for use in extreme environments—hot and cold—around the globe,” said Julieann Billings-Riordan, Bolle Safety’s trade marketing manager. (bolle-safety.com)
Pack It Up
Along with the new gear is a new option to pack, store, and move all the necessary equipment. A company well known to LE and military units—Montana-based Mystery Ranch—has released a massive new massive Deployment Bag. This rolling canvas rectangular foot-locker-style cargo bag has a removable frame so it can be folded and stored compactly. The Bag’s interior has numerous moveable panels, multiple pockets, and offers more than 9,700 cubic inches of storage space that can be adjusted numerous ways and made to accommodate and securely hold a wide range of duty gear. Two models are available. Color options are coyote, black, and multi-camouflage. (mysteryranch.com)
Pistol Punch
Though rifles have been center stage for LE firearms in recent times, this year pistols seem to be receiving new emphasis. FN America has released two new striker-fired pistols—the FN 510 Tactical chambered in 10mm Auto and the FN 545 Tactical chambered in .45 ACP. These two big-bore pistols utilize a standard 15-round capacity magazine and also can handle 22+1 rounds of 10mm or 18+1 rounds of .45 ACP via provided extended magazines. The new pistols also feature a threaded barrel for installing noise-suppressing devices, are pre-cut for installing red dot optics, and have suppressor-height night sights. The double-action pistols weigh slightly more than 30 ounces and are outfitted with Trijicon 3-Dot night sites. A special sight wing protects the rear sight in case the pistol is dropped or jarred. (fnamerica.com)
In line with increased interest in 10mm ammunition, Federal Premium now offers a new Train + Protect load in 10mm Auto. The 180-grain Versatile Hollow Point (VHP) bullets deliver precise, practical performance at the range and reliable expansion on impact. The brass is reloadable, and the cartridge produces a muzzle velocity of 1,175 fps.
Federal Premium has also released a new Ballistic AE app designed for iOS devices. This app calculates trajectory, windage, velocity, energy, lead, and bullet flight time for any range. The useful app compensates for atmospheric conditions such as temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, altitude, and more. (federalpremium.com)
The 9mm pistol continues to be standard issue in many LE departments. Springfield Armory’s new 1911 DS Prodigy 4.25 AOS 9mm handgun with a HEX Dragonfly sight has a heavier bull barrel to aid with control, is chambered in 9mm with a double-stack design magazine, and arrives with the HEX Dragonfly red dot sight installed. The similar 1911 DS Prodigy AOS 9mm handgun with a HEX Dragonfly red dot sight has a five-inch bull barrel. Both pistols come with a flush-fit 17-round magazine and an extra 20-round extended magazine and have aggressive textured polymer grips to aid with control. (springfield-armory.com)
A Sight to See
The C Series with patent-pending SafeCharge technology joins Viridian Weapon Technologies’ enhanced line of bright lights and green laser sights. The SafeCharge system allows numerous Viridian accessories to be charged in any location, ensuring maximum battery longevity. The SafeCharge process will automatically wake up, charge the accessory, and then shut down. This eliminates the need to manually start or stop the charger. Each full charge of the SafeCharge allows a Viridian C-Series accessory to be charged five times. (viridianweapontech.com)
Holster Up
More and more LE units are utilizing other-than-leather holsters. As a result, injection-molded and Kydex options continue to grow.
Alien Gear Holsters—a leader in injection molded holsters—expands its Rapid Force Pro line with two new products: the Rapid Force LVL-2 Slim Holster and the Rapid Force Compact-Light Duty Holster designed to securely hold the SIG P320 C/F. The Rapid Force LVL 2 Slim Holster has a locking belt slide, can be used with an optional Swivel Drop Leg installed, and provides Level 2 Retention protection for the LE and military user. The LVL-2 has a low-profile design and is optic and light compatible. The Rapid Force Compact-Light Duty holster is designed for use with SIG’s P320 C/F pistol. The holster has a compact light chamber, provides total trigger protection, and is made with a high-impact resistant injection-molded polymer. This holster permits fast intuitive draw and is quick-disconnect compatible. Also new in the Rapid Force product line is the first product available in 100-percent IR Neutral Tan 499 color—the Rapid Force Tactical Tan Kit. The Kit includes a Level 3 duty holster that will accommodate and securely hold the Glock 17, 19, or SIG P320 pistols. The holster is light compatible and has an XL optics hood, plus it includes the innovative Mid-Ride belt slide and Swivel Leg drop. (aliengearholsters.com)
Vehicular Variables
More and more LE units are utilizing canine enforcement, and taking a dog on patrol provides unique challenges when in a vehicle, including protecting the dog. Owen Products offers numerous metal dog kennels designed to protect the dog and keep it secure. The new 55311 Professional K9 Series Working Dog Crate weighs approximately 50 pounds, has .063 steel sides, and utilizes a heavy lockable door with a three-point latching system. (Yes, criminals have broken into LE vehicles and tried to steal dogs.) The box is vented, has a mat for traction, and is offered in gray, tan, or black. The company produces several other models, including an in-the-vehicle cage that replaces the back seat in a full-sized SUV. (owens-pro.com)
Helping to turn vehicles into a drone launch pad and mobile unit is Truck Vault’s new Drone Responder 8. This rugged, multi-compartment cargo container is bolted inside a truck bed and provides lockable storage, will accommodate a 32-inch TV monitor, and serves as a launch pad and control center for deployed drones and operators. Several sizes are available. (truckvault.com)
Along with the increased use of drones and airborne backup comes increased problems of telling good-guy from bad-guy vehicles. IR Tools offers an 8.5x11-inch clear IR patch that can be placed atop of or on the side of a vehicle and can only be seen with IR or night-vision equipment. When seen by LE teams, the marker helps signify friend or foe. Laser-cut and printed patches and thermal range targets are also available. (ir.tools.com)
After a few entry and exit episodes, the ground at the base of the steps of a mobile command center can become a messy traction hazard in inclement weather. Signature Systems offers a wide range of modular flooring that can be used to create secure entry areas. They can also be used as drone pads.
“We offer various fit-together panels that provide superior ground protection in all conditions. These panels can also be used to protect pavement and concrete from damage,” said Chris Comunale, strategic account manager with Signature Systems. Available colors are gray and white, and there are nearly a dozen product categories including panels that can hold up to 600 PSI. (signature-systems.com)
