Heavy police gear has been a point of contention for longer than most officers have been with the police. Police departments face a significant health issue that is a result of duty belt discomfort. Depending on the pain level, the edge of the duty belt, holster shank, and other equipment attached to the belt can exert pressure from the low back down to the hips and pelvis.
A duty belt enables an officer to carry gear conveniently in a hands-free manner, allowing them to conduct duties without holding anything. Due to the nature of the job, these police gears must be carried on the officers’ bodies when on duty.
In addition to a handgun, handcuffs, flashlight, latex gloves, baton, radio, and pepper spray canister, a typical duty belt can weigh up to 20 pounds when fully loaded. Researchers have demonstrated that the discomfort associated with wearing a duty belt is caused by the weight of the equipment on it, its placement next to the body, and the force exerted on it while the officer is seated in a patrol vehicle.
With more time spent in vehicles and heavier gear carried on duty belts, the discomfort felt from duty belts have gotten worse over the years. It is not unheard of for a belt to be as heavy as 4 pounds when containing extra handcuffs, handguns, and spare magazines. Another source of discomfort is the belt itself. For a duty belt holster system to fit properly, its shape and location are more important as the system becomes rigid. After purchasing a leather duty belt, it may take several years for it to break in.
As far as carrying police gear is concerned, there has been a clamor for other alternatives. A few options have been offered, including suspenders. Yet, it has not gained widespread use among police officers.
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