Best products from r/ProtectAndServe

So, everyone telling you to do cardio is wrong. Objectively so, but they're not doing it out of spite or malice... they're doing it because they don't know any better either. They did what they did, and for a lot of them it was good enough, but the real question is... was it the best and most efficient thing to do? "Cardio," as it's commonly referred to, is really slow, steady-state aerobic training or exercise. It is absolutely not going to help you for two main reasons: 1) You are overweight and deconditioned and 2) you are going into a job where being able to run 10+ miles is NOT a significant factor. Being able to move quickly, hand-to-hand, load bearing equipment/duty load, carrying or moving heavy objects or people, movement to contact runs, getting into various positions, shooting, moving yourself through a three dimensional environment, etc. ARE all tasks you face.

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So what should you do about it? Well, to start off you should get strong. As strong as you can, and do so while eating enough to maintain your training (but NOT enough that you don't slowly lose a LITTLE body fat). Body composition, not body weight, is important. The BMI index is garbage past people who never do anything physical and use their diet to manage their body fat. They're the mopeds of the metabolic world. You don't want to be a moped... you want to be a fighter jet. Not only will the ability to produce force help you across damn near every single job task you have to do (including helping keep your back/joints from being beat to shit before you're 30), but it is the adaptation that takes the longest to attain with the most dedication of energy and resources (time, food, rest). Once you get strong, and as you approach your academy date (2-3 months out), start to titrate in your conditioning load to your strength training. You should focus most on HIIT for your conditioning, as this will be the most effective use of your time. The majority of adaptation for conditioning happens at the cellular level, so you will probably be in tremendously good condition for any law enforcement or military physical fitness test in 8-10 weeks. The strength you gained ahead of time will allow you to run faster, bear more load, subdue people more easily, control situations by physical presence and confidence and will also assist your conditioning work as an important component of endurance.

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I hope you take my recommendation seriously. If you would like explanations, examples, studies, etc. I can provide them, but know that while I do not have law enforcement experience I did spend a LOT of time in the Marine Corps working for a particular community. I know that strength works, and I know that HIIT conditioning works. Mostly because I did it every possible way you could think of, and in retrospect I would throw every other thing I ever did out the window and strength training with conditioning as a supplemental. Strength served me best, in every capacity, through multiple deployments to Afghanistan as a Marine and civilian contractor, on fitness tests, on the range/shoot house/MOUT town, etc. If you're ready to stop exercising, stop wasting your time and energy, and start training... I recommend you start here. I am also training to apply for FLEO, so if you would like an accountability partner let me know. I cannot mentor you with police stuff, but I do have friends in law enforcement who do everything from large SWAT teams to CSI to FBI Special Agent.

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Edit: I screwed up some words.

I used a 5.11 duty bag for a while but found that I couldn't keep my items organized. I made the decision to ditch the bag and switched to this...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ISF53N8/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?qid=1416108111&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70#

I absolutely love this bag. It stores everything I need in compartments better than anything I've used before. Another added benefit is how lightweight and easy to transport it is. I wouldn't be able to go back to a bulky duty bag again.

We're hard to shop for. Odds are she's going to want to pick most of her own gear, not counting the stuff that is provided. I can't really tell you what she will need. A gift certificate to the local cop shop might be the best bet, even though that's really boring.

That said, you probably can't go wrong with one of these:
5.11 Tactical TMT PLx Penlight, Black, 90 Lumens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJYRNAM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.-kIxbESMFVQ9

This is one of my favorite pieces of gear, and it's in your price range. I've had mine a couple years and I carry it everywhere, on and off duty. I use it as a backup light in case my patrol light goes down, I clip it to my epaulette when I'm doing paperwork at night, and it's great for tight situations where a larger light would blind you, such as searching a car. Batteries last a good long while. Very handy and very well made for the price.

No cop has ever had too many good flashlights.

(But get a gift receipt.)

I'm not in law enforcement yet, but the Kershaw Blur Glassbreaker is my edc right now. I plan on using it when I get my career started too.

Edit: Here's a really good review on it. Also I should mention that my favorite part about the Blur is the angled thumb notches on the blade, which let you open the knife EXTREMELY quickly with one hand.

https://www.amazon.com/Verbal-Judo-Gentle-Persuasion-Updated/dp/0062107704

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo6GZLR0MRU&list=PL57B44827AA6EE588

Seriously OP. Read the book, memorize it, understand it, and then watch all of the online videos. And then take actual Judo for take-downs and a bit of grappling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a more focused approach on ground control, and if you're a real go-getter go learn a nice striking art as well if you've got the spare time. Something like Krav Maga or Muay Thai, from a good dojo that cares about teaching and not about milking you of every penny in exchange for a quick belt.

This is what I carry on duty. I've been carrying it for 3 years now (security and police) and I love it. It uses 3 CR123A batteries, but if you use the Streamlight brand ones they last a while. It's 1100 lumens which is great for turning night into day as well as distracting people/blinding them. It's 1" diameter for the shaft, the head is bigger obviously. It's about 7" long on a good day. It's a hell of an impact weapon though. I've hit a few people with it in a tussle and if you hit them with the "blades" it's a show stopper. It's not as big and bulky as a bashlight, but it does the job way better and doesn't weigh a lot. Highly recommended. I wish my department issued them.

I dont have any information on the PA exam. But I do know a good study guide https://www.amazon.com/Barrons-Police-Officer-Exam-9th/dp/1438001339

basically just study grammar/spelling/comprehension :) Good luck

Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion

Its a great book. One of my CCW permit instructors recommended the book to his students. Its a good read for anyone, not just cops.

Like /u/Cool-Breeze said Mechanix makes some nice 0.5mm gloves that are cheap. Here is a link to what I use.

Now personally when I search or pat down I just wear latex and am very careful. The lined gloves are nice if you know theres something there but you cant feel for crap with them. Hell if they got sharps cut their pockets open if you have to. Make sure you got your vaccines like Hep B up to date too and be careful. Good luck man

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075P79KWX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I just bought these for the exact same reason. Acadamy is requiring me to bring them. They are comfortable and are fit tight to the hand.

No book will prepare you for law enforcement, it has to be touched, smelled, heard, and seen. If you're already a cop then the best thing you can do to be better is to be a well rounded human being and books can help with that.

Here's the recommended reading from some of the prior threads I was able to find in the sub.

1. On Killing
   
2. On Combat
   
3. Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement
   
4. Intro to Criminal Evidence
   
5. Blue Blood
   
6. 400 Things Cops Should Know
   
7. Cop: A True Story
   
8. [Verbal Judo] (https://www.amazon.com/Verbal-Judo-Gentle-Persuasion-Updated/dp/0062107704/)
   
9. [What Cops Know] (https://www.amazon.com/What-Cops-Know-Connie-Fletcher/dp/0671750402/)
   
10. [Into the Kill Zone] (https://www.amazon.com/Into-Kill-Zone-Deadly-Force/dp/0787986038/)
    
11. Training at the Speed of Life
    
12. Sharpening the Warrior's Edge
    
13. The Gift of Fear
    
14. Deadly Force Encounters
    
15. The Book of Five Rings
    
    I've read a good portion of the above listed. I highly recommend Emotional Survival and going to see one of Gilmartin's talks if he's in your area. Below are a few of my personal suggestions.
    
    
16. Meditations
    
17. Blink - Not sure if I buy it, but interesting to think about.
    
18. [Armor] (https://www.amazon.com/Armor-John-Steakley/dp/0886773687/)
    
19. Iron John: A Book About Men
    
20. The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics
    

I don't know about the '20 redesign, but the '19 still has a CD slot in the middle of the dash?

https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Holder-Universal-Three-Side-One-Touch/dp/B00PC29ETE

I don't know how that would play with your MDT mount, but I'll vouch for it being solid, but still easy to swap between cars. And it doesn't have much of an "arm" to it, so not much leverage to make it bounce and wobble.

This is the best patrol bag on the market. five years and still going strong.

I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve been recommended this book and have heard really good things about it.

Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement by Kevin M. Gilmartin, Ph.D.

Streamlight ProTac HL-3

I’ve had this light since 2013 and I love it. I’ve dropped it, thrown it, got it soaked, and even used it as an impact weapon. Great light.

Good book for dealing with a cop's life and stress is

http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-survival-law-enforcement-officers/dp/0971725403

It is also good to give to significant others or family to help them realize what you may going through.

> A rugged USB jump drive that can attach to keys is essential for me

https://www.amazon.com/GorillaDrive-Ruggedized-64GB-Flash-Drive/dp/B01IWXHITW
As a follow up to this bit, will recommend this one. Have owned it since college/uni for several years now, even on on-duty(USAF SF, TDCJ CO), and it still hasn't failed me. Quite a beast of a flash drive, and well worth the money.
Would check Walmart, as sometimes they have these on sale.

What Cops Know - absolutely fucking fascinating. You will learn so much. If you're a LEO with 10 years on the job, I'll bet you will still learn a ton of stuff you didn't know.

Tales of the Stakeout Squad - If you don't know who Jim Cirillo is, you really need to.

No Second Place Winner - If you don't know who Bill Jordan is, you need to.

I bought the Barons book on amazon for about 12 dollars. Doesn't hurt to study, although a few friends have told me is isn't needed.

Wow, I tried Amazon.com and the cheapest copy I found was over $30 for a used paperback. :(

Edit: Found a link to it at Amazon where it is only $20 and ordered it. Thanks again. http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0971725403?ie=UTF8&condition=new&seller=AQYA5H2T7CWRJ

These

I have had mine for.... get ready..... 12 years.

Fucking love these things, and they still shine.

Some useful inexpensive gear. This assumes that his uniform isn't strictly regulated:

• Magnet for quick release/attachment of keys. Its strong enough that I can just throw my keys at it when in a rush and it will snap right in place.
  
  
• Small rechargeable clip on flashlight Perfect for reading ID's and stuff durring traffic stops without sacrificing a hand. Also good for lighting up suspects during field interviews at night for the body cam.
  
  
• Mic clip Keeps your mic from falling off in a scuffle.
  
  
  More expensive, but if he wears an internal vest this makes it significantly more comfortable.

You guys who shell up when off work might want to take a look at this: Emotional survival for law enforcement

Its pricey but a good read.

Here is the non-mobile link from the comment above
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If you haven't, read Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement. You can read it in just a few hours. I don't believe it is absolute gospel, but it is a good starting point.

http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-survival-law-enforcement-officers/dp/0971725403

If your dept. has an employee assistance program, speak to them.

Cop by Michael Middleton is excellent.

Yeah I would push for the country home, that being said

> he admits that's he's not rational about this

You should buy emotional survival for law enforcement and read it together. He's showing hyper vigilance.

https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-survival-law-enforcement-officers/dp/0971725403

Seriously grab it. Read it and find the parts about hyper vigilance and ptsd. show it to him. get him to talk to someone. It is imperative if he wants to stay in this career that he balance this out.

As others have said, communication is key.

In addition, there are resources out there to help. He may not be receptive to this, but there are resources out there to help him deal with the stress of the job. One that was recommended to me (which I cannot personally endorse, as I haven't read it) is "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A guide for officers and their families". (http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-survival-law-enforcement-officers/dp/0971725403)

There are many similar resources out there, both for you and him. In the end though, it comes down to how receptive he is, which is where the communication really needs to take place.

streamlight tlr-hl - $114, pretty smokin deal

Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement

Every cop should read this at least once. It can be read in a weekend and it can save your marriage, health and maybe even your life

Emotional Survival For Law Enforcement is a book that deals with this exact issue, and even describes it the exact same way as you do.

It's well worth reading, if you're a cop, or just in a relationship with one.

400 Things Cops Know by Adam Plantinga
http://www.amazon.com/400-Things-Cops-Know-Street-Smart/dp/1610352173

True Blue by Randy Sutton
http://books.google.com/books/about/True_Blue.html?id=V3gUVQus6gMC

side note, if you haven't read the two books about his career, I highly recommend them. (His biography and his autobiography/memoir)

You can get a mount like this and stick a cheap smartphone to it too.

Switching on and off the hyper-vigilance required for his job can be exhausting. Sometimes Officers get caught in a routine of not talking about their problems. I suggest you read Gilmartin's "Emotional Guide for Law Enforcement". The book is spot on about what officers go through. I would encourage you to have your boyfriend read it too. He will feel like Gilmartin has been following him around and is writing about exactly what he goes through. Read it! It saves lives. Amazon link

Just search it on Amazon.. Should be there.

Edit: here's the link on Canadian Amazon:

https://www.amazon.ca/Emotional-Survival-Law-Enforcement-Officers/dp/0971725403

Kershaw Blur. Solid, sharp knife

Has a glassbreaker on it.

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Black-Glassbreaker-Knife-SpeedSafe/dp/B0074FIPEM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1458931811&sr=1-1&keywords=kershaw+glass+breaker

Emotional survival for law enforcement: A guide for officers and their families https://www.amazon.com/dp/0971725403/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YCYyCbBVD98YT

This one.

This book is a must read

https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-survival-law-enforcement-officers/dp/0971725403

Read this

400 Things Cops Know by Adam Plantigna. 13 year Milwaukee and SFPD patrol cop on pretty much whatever topic you could think of in a policing context; shots fired, juveniles, traffic, DV etc etc.

You both may want to give this a read, it doesn't specifically address the problem you're facing now, but does address some that may come up later.

https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-survival-law-enforcement-officers/dp/0971725403

No problem. Also, this is the book some of us mentioned. It's an important read for officers and their spouses.

I'll give the somewhat standard reading list (Standard as in these are the ones that come up the most)

Calibre Press Trilogy Street Survival, The Tactical Edge, and Tactics for Criminal Patrol. I'd be willing to bet someone on the department already owns them or even your department itself has them.

On Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement

That ends the standard reading list, then I recommend this as well

Me Talk Pretty One Day-David Sedaris Because he is hilarious, and has nothing to do with police work in any way shape or form.

These books have helped me tremendously through the hiring process so far. I took recommendations from friends and acquaintances in law enforcement and from searching through previous threads on this subreddit.

On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316040932/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GNK.ybMTBZKVX

Emotional survival for law enforcement: A guide for officers and their families https://www.amazon.com/dp/0971725403/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EOK.ybR4XSKZY

Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion, Updated Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062107704/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EQK.yb1MWMEPV