Utility belt... whats in yours?

meathmannn

There's a saying in police circles that the longer your a cop, the bigger your belt gets, but you carry less gear!!

A student asked me to do a list of what to carry, here's what I gave him... what about the rest of ye?

Big pouch
Note book
2 pens
business cards
post its
free tourist maps
Tissues

Cuff pouch
Cuffs
3 pairs of gloves

First aid pouch
Face shield (for cpr)
Anadin
plasters
wipes
paper stitches
seat belt cutter
small uv light
small magnifying glass
Lighter

Small knife pouch
Small knife(obviously!)

Torch holder
Contains lenser torch after dark

Extra cuff holder
Spare cuffs

Non issue Sidebreak asp holder
containing asp

I also carry (in pockets)
more gloves (ass pocket)

Phone with large memory card for communications and taking photos of crashes etc.
Money

Mini torch, badge+ money in vest pocket

More wipes and phone earphones inside vest(yep that zip is great for hiding stuff away)
and cuff key on chain from trouser loop

mcguiver

Jebus!
Someone who carrys more stuff than me!
I go through phases of not wearing utility belt, just 2 sets of cuffs and asp with gloves in a pocket.

I know one ex army medic who carries a field dressing, I suppose it makes sense.

I always find it's handy to have about 20feet of crime scene tape rolled tightly (it's about the siize of a large marker). It makes life easier when you need to shut a road/doorway etc.

Satan Polaroid

Bloody hell! Talk about coming prepared

I only have an asp and handcuffs on my belt, and gloves in my pocket.

At night, I cary my torch in my hand.

mcguiver

I know a taskie that carries a climbing rope in the car!!

and have any of ye seen the screw on asp torch accessory!!!

(you know who you are... I'm just jealous cos I dont have one!)

Hooch

mcguiver wrote: »

Jebus!
Someone who carrys more stuff than me!
I go through phases of not wearing utility belt, just 2 sets of cuffs and asp with gloves in a pocket.

I know one ex army medic who carries a field dressing, I suppose it makes sense.

Ya as an EMT i always carry an ambulance dressing with me.

mcguiver wrote: »

I know a taskie that carries a climbing rope in the car!!

and have any of ye seen the screw on asp torch accessory!!!

(you know who you are... I'm just jealous cos I dont have one!)

Ya have seen them....but much prefer the leaverage cap for that extra wallop!!!:D

As for the rope, I have 70ft of certified rope in my booth, plus a throwbag, plus flares, plus a large trauma bag!!!

As for the list above I think most newer members come out with full belts, but most only last a few weeks and they dont re fill them:D.

I can only add a leatherman to that list. Very handy tool!

source

Led lenser torch,
radio pouch
gerber multi-tool (one of the most used items on my belt)
first aid pouch, with gloves and mouth to mouth mask
notebook pouch, with notebook and gra diary
handcuff pouch with asp hinged handcuffs
large handcuff key on a retracting reel
baton in asp sidebreak scabbard

pens and small blacklight for checking money and driving licences in pocket of stab vest.

It seems to be working so far.

TheNog

Holy crap I thought I was bad with all my gear

Led Torch
Mini Maglite for car searches
Asp
Notebook
Cuffs
Radio - only good within 2 miles of the station

gdamedic

Big pouch
Note book
interpreting Guide that i was handed one day
business cards
post its
pen
EMS Shears (Very handy for cutting things)
cards to say FCPS has been issued
a few small evidence bags (also for first aid purposes)

open top Cuff pouch x 2
Cuffs x2

First aid pouch
Face shield (for cpr)
plasters
wipes

Small torch normally on the belt
Official issue torch comes out at night
the orange cone occasionally

Asp Holder
Asp

Official Cuff pouch
Lots of Gloves

Clip for Tetra radio
(Will contain tetra radio as of wednesday)

2 x handcuff keys

Clip on Light, one click for uv, two clicks for light

Earpiece for radio

Phone for when the old radio didn't work

chewing gum

cpstears

VEST POCKET
Note book & Diary
business cards in back of notebook
pen blue & black

Carry these in back pocket on station duties


DUTY BELT FROM RIGHT TO LEFT

ASP Open Top Cuff Holder
ASP Hinge Cuffs


Radio Pouch
Control Set
(to be removed on TETRA)

LARGE TORCH HOLDER
Official issue torch at night time

FIRST AID POUCH
Face shield (for cpr)
plasters
wipes
two small drugs collection bag folded tight


MULTI-TOOL POUCH
Victorinox Multi tool

SMALL TORCH HOLDER
Small Led Lenser Torch

ASP Sidebreak Holder
ASP

SV

happyhappy wrote: »

god i'm the poor district, i lost my utility belt years and didn't get a new one. actually come to think of it i'm using a rope to hold my trousers up too.:D:D

That's all part of the cutbacks

djtechnics1210

I used never wear equipment belt, cause there useless.
They wreck your head when your driving, running, going over walls etc etc.

Best thing i ever bought was a good pair of magnum boots.

Used to keep all that other "gucci" gear that everyone puts on their equipment belts into a bag in boot of patrol car.

Hooch

djtechnics1210 wrote: »

I used never wear equipment belt, cause there useless.
They wreck your head when your driving, running, going over walls etc etc.

Best thing i ever bought was a good pair of magnum boots.

Used to keep all that other "gucci" gear that everyone puts on their equipment belts into a bag in boot of patrol car.

Thats cause your a bbbbrrrrrrrranch man!!! (spit spit spit:D)

djtechnics1210

This bag in the boot is better than any equipment belt...
save all ye lads from getting a bad back carrying around all that stuff on yer belts

http://www.niton999.co.uk/products.expanded.asp?product=3608&productname=Hatch-D1-Patrol-Duty-Bag-(HAD1-BAG)

CharlieCroker

Great website, just spent the last hour looking at it!!!

Hooch

CharlieCroker wrote: »

Great website, just spent the last hour looking at it!!!

Same here!! Good call dj. Bag is a good idea man!

Charlie you never entered the online chat to talk to us dude!!!

cushtac

Niton seem to have a problem taking credit card payments from Ireland, anyone I know who's tried to buy from them has had to do so by bank transfer.

Hooch

cushtac wrote: »

Niton seem to have a problem taking credit card payments from Ireland, anyone I know who's tried to buy from them has had to do so by bank transfer.

Thats a pain...and i was thinking of buying one or two things!!!

djtechnics1210

I used pay pal, worked fine.

cushtac

djtechnics1210 wrote: »

I used pay pal, worked fine.

They've been refusing pay pal too as recently as last month.

djtechnics1210

didn't know that cushtac..
Their gonna lose a lot of business cause of it though.

D22

wrote:

Big pouch
Note book
2 pens
business cards
post its
free tourist maps
Tissues

Cuff pouch
Cuffs
3 pairs of gloves

First aid pouch
Face shield (for cpr)
Anadin
plasters
wipes
paper stitches
seat belt cutter
small uv light
small magnifying glass
Lighter

Small knife pouch
Small knife(obviously!)

Torch holder
Contains lenser torch after dark

Extra cuff holder
Spare cuffs

Non issue Sidebreak asp holder
containing asp

I also carry (in pockets)
more gloves (ass pocket)

Phone with large memory card for communications and taking photos of crashes etc.
Money

Mini torch, badge+ money in vest pocket

More wipes and phone earphones inside vest(yep that zip is great for hiding stuff away)
and cuff key on chain from trouser loop

Just wondering, based on a list like the above what would a Garda have to put his hand in his own pocket for? OR is all that stuff issued to you?

I've never been in a job that I got all my relevant tools handed to me and for some reason, i imagine AGS will be the same.

Hooch

D22 wrote: »

Just wondering, based on a list like the above what would a Garda have to put his hand in his own pocket for? OR is all that stuff issued to you?

I've never been in a job that I got all my relevant tools handed to me and for some reason, i imagine AGS will be the same.

You'll be issued with a n offical utility belt wit andcuff pouch, radio holder, first aid pouch, back support, notebook holder (or ticket holder as i knew it), light holder and an asp holder

In turn to fill this you will be issued cuffs, asp, offical notebook, first aid stuff and a light.

You'll end up buying some stuff but thats personal choice like magnum boots, leatherman multi tool, a proper flashlight!!, a back up flash light, spare cuffs, proper side break asp scabard etc etc

donvito99

New Garda utility belt.

Hooch

donvito99 wrote: »

New Garda utility belt.

How come i didnt get a shiny buckle like that!!!!

D22

nice guy always wrote: »

You'll be issued with a n offical utility belt wit andcuff pouch, radio holder, first aid pouch, back support, notebook holder (or ticket holder as i knew it), light holder and an asp holder

In turn to fill this you will be issued cuffs, asp, offical notebook, first aid stuff and a light.

You'll end up buying some stuff but thats personal choice like magnum boots, leatherman multi tool, a proper flashlight!!, a back up flash light, spare cuffs, proper side break asp scabard etc etc

Cool, tbh thats what I figured. For things like spare cuffs n lights, would you ever get pulled up on having non-issued stuff. Obviously I dont know whats what yet but say you bought and carried a "better" set of ASP / S&W cuffs that were never standard issue?

Would members normally buy spare ASP batons also?

Hooch

D22 wrote: »

Cool, tbh thats what I figured. For things like spare cuffs n lights, would you ever get pulled up on having non-issued stuff. Obviously I dont know whats what yet but say you bought and carried a "better" set of ASP / S&W cuffs that were never standard issue?

Would members normally buy spare ASP batons also?

I would strongly advise not buying a similar item to what is issued. If you are issued Asp cuffs i would recommend staying with them, you cannot ever get into trouble as Asp will stand over them and your training.

As for an Asp baton, all AGS batons are numbered and have a crest on the tail cap. You wont need a spare Asp. Spare cuffs come into effect when you lift someone and they are taken to the station in the van and you are still on the beat. You have an extra set as yours are gone to the station. Also handy when arresting more than one person like at a nightclub with doorstaff help.

S&W are the best chain type handcuffs available. Hiatts are another AGS issued, and they are now issuing Asp simi rigid cuffs.

You'll find your feet on phase 2 +4 and decide for yourself

CharlieCroker

nice guy always wrote: »

Charlie you never entered the online chat to talk to us dude!!!

Did i miss something?? quite possible I wasn't paying attention or asleep!!:p

Jack O'Neill

Had difficulty with Notion999 myself, not the greatest!

I would recommend ecop on ebay for gear.

Although they are in America, I have dealt with them a good bit for gear and always found them brilliant.

http://stores.ebay.ie/Ecop-Police-Supply

try Chocopaw - great value for torches. (have you converted your maglite to LED?)

or http://stores.ebay.ie/Chocopaw_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Jack O'Neill

Better than a Utility Belt...discuss?

http://www.patrolstore.com/Protec-Overt-Equipment-Mini-Vest-p-11859.html

yayamark

I have a bag that i leave in the car and use a utility belt aswell.

deadwood

yayamark wrote: »

I have a bag that i leave in the car . . . .

Now, now.

They fulfil a vital role in a modern police force (it's the 20th century man, get with it) and get paid almost as much as male members.

Jerico

This site wasnt too bad for ASP gear...

coach23

my belt doubles up as my public order belt cause they wouldn't spring for another belt but give you stuff to put on one (another genius idea from AGS)
right to left worn by user

ASP, Leatherman multi tool, Public order baton holder (doubles as torch holder), Large Pouch first aid...heat blanket (tinfoil type thing) for those muppets we pull out of the liffey, paper stitches gloves lots and lts of gloves steri wipes tons of em an anadin for the heart attacks and hand gel, public order bottle holder excellent kit use it as bottle on the bike, small pouchmore gloves and steri wipes, two pairs of cuffs rarely have i been to a call where just one pair of cuffs is needed gotta love templebar

on my vest is the radio pouch or tetra if they give it to us i reckon the training was just a tease, opposite side is a small led lenser torch anyone who buys it in a shop is a mug got it on ebay for nearly nothing

donvito99

coach23 wrote: »

my belt doubles up as my public order belt cause they wouldn't spring for another belt but give you stuff to put on one (another genius idea from AGS)
right to left worn by user

ASP, Leatherman multi tool, Public order baton holder (doubles as torch holder), Large Pouch first aid...heat blanket (tinfoil type thing) for those muppets we pull out of the liffey, paper stitches gloves lots and lts of gloves steri wipes tons of em an anadin for the heart attacks and hand gel, public order bottle holder excellent kit use it as bottle on the bike, small pouchmore gloves and steri wipes, two pairs of cuffs rarely have i been to a call where just one pair of cuffs is needed gotta love templebar

on my vest is the radio pouch or tetra if they give it to us i reckon the training was just a tease, opposite side is a small led lenser torch anyone who buys it in a shop is a mug got it on ebay for nearly nothing

Ever heard of a full stop?!

sdanseo

Jack O'Neill wrote: »

Better than a Utility Belt...discuss?

http://www.patrolstore.com/Protec-Overt-Equipment-Mini-Vest-p-11859.html

I'm not a guard, but from having a few things on my belt at once (torches, two-way radios etc) in the past I speculate I'd find those mad awkward. Anything above waist level just gets in the way, you can't move your arms etc. Looking at the asp for example, you'd have to pull it out as if you were going to stab someone with it, and then alter your grip completely...not my place to say but apparently lay-opinions are encouraged :P

Maybe it's different when wrestling drunken twats to the ground at 4am? :rolleyes:

donvito99

donvito99 wrote: »

Ever heard of a full stop?!

I have a few spare ones if he needs them. Here you go. .............................

Zambia

Heavy belt = Having a crap on duty is hard work:o

source

Zambia232 wrote: »

Heavy belt = Having a crap on duty is hard work:o

hang it on the back of the toilet door, Sheesh do i have to think of everything????

ScubaDave

Isnt that what those hooks are for!?

FGR

...You guys have hooks on your doors?

You lot and yer fancy stations!

donvito99

Just for the sake of it...

Utility belt... whats ''in'' yours?

Don't things generally go on a utility belt.

Zambia

foinse wrote: »

hang it on the back of the toilet door, Sheesh do i have to think of everything????

I heard of someone a cash in transit guard doing just that, they drove of felt a little light, realised returned and found the belt + 38 special in the toilet with the owner and two Policemen.

She got in a bit of trouble and lost her firearms licence and subsequently her employment.

Funny this thread is here I just bought a new belt today, could not buy a Bianchi one so settled for an Uncle Mikes one instead.

djtechnics1210

A lot of contries cit guards are armed. America, canada, spain, portugal,south africa to name a few

Zambia

happyhappy wrote: »

where are the cash in transit lads armed?

My apologies here in Melbourne Brinks,Armaguard, chubb and others are all armed.

junior80

The only things needed are;
(1) Baton
(2) Handcuffs (one set you heroes)
(3) Notebook/Pen
(4) Torch (at night only!)
(5) Gloves

The ordinary beatman is not a paramedic, surgeon, mountain climber or one man public order unit.

Horrified to see members carrying all sorts of gear, what did we do before utility belts?

The belt is a nightmare to run in anyway so the lighter the better. Management considered extra pockets/loops on stab vest cover but felt it looked to aggressive, god forbid we'd be provided with practical equipment.

unidentified

hey, dunno if this was already asked or not
but do any of yous wear the back support thing
on the belt?

i always have but many people dont seem to use it.
have any of yous tried wearin it for a roster, then
takin it off for another roster

find any difference or advantage in usin it?

CharlieCroker

would you believe, I got sick of my kidney belt yesterday and took it off. Actually felt a bit better without it. You only really need it if there;s a bit of weight on the belt

junior80

The back support on the belt is of limited use, a preferable option would be to have the choice to carry some equipment on the upper body supported by the shoulders i.e on the stab vest.
Carrying most equipment around the waist simply is not practical and saps energy on a tour of duty.
Running with the utility belt is a nightmare, have seen embarrassing scenes of (relativley fit and light footed) members chasing youths to no avail while the youths turn and jog backwards taunting said panting members!:mad: Looks bad on the members and organisation in general.
It's a debate that will rage on until members are canvassed as to what their operational needs actually are.

Hooch

junior80 wrote: »

The back support on the belt is of limited use, a preferable option would be to have the choice to carry some equipment on the upper body supported by the shoulders i.e on the stab vest.
Carrying most equipment around the waist simply is not practical and saps energy on a tour of duty.
Running with the utility belt is a nightmare, have seen embarrassing scenes of (relativley fit and light footed) members chasing youths to no avail while the youths turn and jog backwards taunting said panting members!:mad: Looks bad on the members and organisation in general.
It's a debate that will rage on until members are canvassed as to what their operational needs actually are.

Solution = Stay out of McDonalds!!:p

Although they are heavy I never found a problem running with it. Now the stb vest on the other hand is a pain when jumping walls with it on

Hooch

CharlieCroker wrote: »

would you believe, I got sick of my kidney belt yesterday and took it off. Actually felt a bit better without it. You only really need it if there;s a bit of weight on the belt

Now now charlie....the bigger members of the force wouldnt like that comment:D

junior80

Yeah avoiding "the breakfast" never hurts!

In truth the "perfect" uniform doesn't exist but members have to limit the stuff they carry ,some of the stuff listed is crazy! I don't recall ever having to cross a river or perform open heart surgery during my days on the beat:D