Most law enforcement officers spend a lot of time in darkness...even in the middle of the day. So a reliable, high-performance flashlight is absolutely essential for general illumination, subject identification, and officer safety. Not only does the flashlight serve its obvious purpose of helping us see in the darkness, but the right light, used properly and with good training, can serve as a defensive tool and control a subject. So, you need one, but how do you choose one from among the endless options out there? Here are just a few quick things to consider:
Budget
Some police agencies supply all the equipment their officers need, while others require officers to purchase their own (in fact, the flashlight is one of the more common items officers are required to purchase for themselves). But whether it is the agency or the individual making the purchase, budget matters. Whenever I’m conducting ASP training, Instructor candidates ask my advice on what to buy and what to spend. The first and best piece of advice I always give is, spend a little more now on quality, and your equipment can serve you reliably for your entire career. If you make your choice on low price alone, you will almost certainly be replacing equipment within a few years. Or worse, you might be taking chances with performance or safety.
Brightness
Whether searching for a subject, conducting a traffic stop or in an open field, when it comes to dominating the darkness, lumens are king. Lumens are the total output of light put out by an illumination system, which is composed of an emitter (usually an LED in modern handheld lights), reflector and lens. More lumens equal more light, though I think around 500 lumens is the sweet spot for daily patrol use. In addition to brightness, look for sufficient beam distance (long range), and center spot concentration with a surrounding halo; these are additional lighting factors that can offer a tactical advantage.
That said, also recognize that there are situations where more light isn’t better. Particularly indoors, in small rooms or closets, or similar situations where light can splash back and actually hinder the officer’s vision. So, while you want a light that defaults to a high brightness level, you also want that light to give you the option to quickly drop the lumens down quickly and easily when needed.
Functions
Today’s flashlights offer features like multiple levels, strobing, beam focusing, colored or even ultraviolet beams, multiple switch locations, programmability, and more. Just remember that under stress, when we need the light the most, brightness and simplicity trump all else. Is it bright enough to see even in the darkest environments? Will I be able to quickly and effectively employ light to help control the subject? Can I activate the flashlight instantly without looking?
It's fine to buy a light with a great set of features. Just make sure that doesn’t create complexity that can come back to bite you. Intuitive positioning of the switch among the most critical design elements in a tactical light; you need to draw the light and activate it immediately, period. I prefer and recommend a light with a tail cap switch, allowing the thumb to be instinctively and ergonomically placed on the switch every time the light is drawn. Having a side-activated switch requires grip changes and wastes precious time.
Portation and presentation
Portation (the means of carrying), rapid access, presentation, ease of securing, and hands-free illumination are other key factors when choosing a light. Cases with flaps or improper positioning of the light require more time and focus to draw and present the light. Conversely, cases with open bottoms and rotation give the officer hands-free flexibility, allowing him to cuff, search and control a subject with both hands, while illuminating the tasks with the light secured and aimed from his belt. The ASP Tactical Light Case (TLC) is a great example of this concept.
Other considerations and conclusion
There are still other options to consider when selecting your duty flashlight. Rechargeable batteries—ideally with “dual fuel” backup capability—are a great choice. You might choose either an aluminum or polymer-body model based on the environment in which you work. And brand matters; just as you would (or should) with any gear you rely on for your safety, choose a flashlight from a known and respected manufacturer with a great reputation, specifically in the law enforcement or military communities.
Choosing the right tactical flashlight is more than just picking the one with the biggest brightness boast on its packaging. It's about selecting a tool that enhances safety, control, and efficiency in the field. Invest in quality, train with consistency, and ensure your gear supports you on your shift—not only today, but throughout your career.
NYPD (ret.)
ASP Trainer since 2004
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