Lights, Lasers, and Tactical Sights

There was a temptation to slug this article with the headline "Pimp Your Handgun." After all, it's catchy and it's trendy…There's only one thing wrong with it, it's dead wrong.

What Gear Do I Need?

To help give you some insight into what you'll actually need on the street, the editors of POLICE Magazine contacted a number of veteran officers and asked them to give you some advice. Here's what they had to say.

The Shape of Women's Body Armor

You don't need to have majored in biology to know that men and women are not created equal—in measurements, that is. That's why female officers need ballistic vests made especially for their unique shapes. And now that women make up a more significant amount of the market share in law enforcement, body armor companies are taking notice.

Your Constant Companion

Your duty holster keeps your trusty sidearm close at hand; it can and should be as unique as you are.

How to Buy a Ballistic Vest

How much is a cop’s safety worth? Despite safety concerns, due to shrinking budgets it’s becoming increasingly common for police departments to require officers to purchase their own body armor. Even when agencies pony up some money for ballistic vests, it’s usually not enough to buy the best of the best—which is what most officers want protecting them from bodily harm.

10 Essential Skills You Need to Win a Gunfight

The great Bill Jordan once said: "There is no second-place winner in a gunfight." Even if you take nothing else away from this article, I ask that you train to win any gunfight that you become involved in, not survive it, but win it.

SHOT Show 2006: Report from the Show Floor

You probably think you have seen every possible rifle that can be derived from the basic AR platform. Think again.

Nylok Pro Duty Gear

Safariland's new Nylok Pro line includes accessory cases, holders, and pouches, all made of tough, ballistic nylon. Finished with Safari-Laminate, the Nylok Pro line is lightweight yet resistant to scuffs, tears, and fading.

Shock Absorbers

If you are shot while wearing body armor, you will still feel the energy of the bullet's impact. But if the armor works, the force will be spread out over your entire torso rather than in just a specific area.

Comfortable Duty Belt