Folding shovel for a go bag
FiveJoy (no longer sold; see the Gerber shovel above)
Nate unboxes a compact folding shovel with built-in extra tools and recommends it as a good item to keep in a go bag.
Video watched
Gear for the job
Everyday gear that helps on a long shift, picked for security officers. Check your employer's uniform and equipment rules before you buy.
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Everyday gear
Non-slip work boots
Timberland PRO Men's Direct Attach MaxTRAX Soft Toe SRO Boot
Slip-resistant leather work boot built for long shifts on your feet.
Rechargeable LED flashlight
Streamlight 88052 ProTac HL USB Rechargeable Tactical Light
Bright handheld light that charges over USB, for checking lots, stairwells and dark corners on rounds.
Waterproof pocket notebook and pen
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof 3" x 5" Top-Spiral Notebook Kit (No. 935T-KIT)
Pocket notebook, cover and pen that keep writing in rain, for logging times and details for your report.
Duty belt
5.11 Tactical Sierra Bravo Duty Belt, 2-Inch
Plain 2-inch nylon duty belt for carrying a radio, light and keys on post.
Waterproof rain jacket
Columbia Men's Watertight II Rain Jacket
Lightweight packable rain shell with a hood for outdoor posts and patrols in wet weather.
Winter work gloves
Carhartt Men's Waterproof Insulated Knit Cuff Glove
Insulated, waterproof gloves for cold overnight shifts at gates, lots and outdoor posts.
Plain digital watch
Simple, lightweight digital watch with a backlight and stopwatch for noting exact times in your log.
Insulated water bottle
Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Lid
Insulated stainless steel bottle that keeps drinks cold or hot through a long shift.
Phone power bank
Anker Power Bank, 10,000mAh 30W USB-C Portable Charger
Compact battery pack to keep your phone charged through a double shift.
High-visibility reflective vest
Neiko High Visibility Safety Vest, ANSI Class 2, No Pocket
Bright ANSI Class 2 vest with reflective strips for traffic posts, parking lots and night work.
Basic first aid kit
First Aid Only 298-Piece Family First Aid Kit
Well-stocked kit of bandages, wipes and basics for minor cuts and scrapes, sized for a car or post locker.
Insulated lunch bag
Carhartt Worksite Soft Shell Lunch Bag (Lunch Cooler)
Tough insulated lunch bag for bringing meals and drinks to a long shift.
Folding shovel
Gerber Gear Gorge Folding Shovel (22-41578N)
Folding steel shovel with a carry case that packs small for a trunk or go bag, for snow, mud or digging out a tire.
Trauma kit with tourniquet
North American Rescue Individual Patrol Officer Kit (IPOK) with C-A-T Tourniquet (80-0167)
Compact belt-carry kit with a C-A-T tourniquet, trauma dressing, gauze and gloves. Learn to use it in a hands-on bleeding control class.
Nate's product reviews
Reviews Nate Ulmer recorded for Hire Police. Products and prices may have changed since.
Trauma kits
Hire Police
Nate explains how a trauma kit differs from a first aid kit, why to check expiration dates on what is inside, why a kit should be brightly colored and easy to find, and why the tourniquet should sit near or outside the kit.