What Holsters Do Police Use?
Law enforcement agencies around the world use a variety of holsters to carry their weapons, depending on the department’s policies, the type of weapon, and personal preference. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of holsters used by police officers.
What Holsters Do Police Use?
Open-Top Holsters
Open-top holsters are one of the most common types of holsters used by police officers. These holsters have a open top and a molded shape that cradles the weapon. They are typically made of leather, nylon, or Kydex and are designed to allow for easy drawing and reholstering of the weapon.
- Advantages:
- Allows for easy drawing and reholstering of the weapon
- Provides a secure fit for the weapon
- Can be made from a variety of materials
- Disadvantages:
- May not provide complete concealment of the weapon
- Can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear
Retention Holsters
Retention holsters are designed to keep the weapon securely in place, making it difficult for an unauthorized person to remove the weapon from the holster. These holsters typically have a locking mechanism that requires a specific action to release the weapon.
- Types of Retention Holsters:
- Trigger lock: requires the user to press the trigger to release the weapon
- Thumb break: requires the user to release a thumb break to remove the weapon
- Mallet-style: requires the user to press a release button to remove the weapon
- Advantages:
- Provides an additional layer of security
- Can prevent unauthorized access to the weapon
- Can be used with a variety of weapons
- Disadvantages:
- May be more difficult to draw the weapon
- Can be bulkier and heavier than other types of holsters
Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holsters
Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters are designed to carry the weapon inside the officer’s waistband, away from the outside world. These holsters are typically made of leather, nylon, or Kydex and are designed to provide a secure fit for the weapon.
- Advantages:
- Provides a secure and comfortable fit for the weapon
- Can be worn on either side of the body
- Can be used with a variety of weapons
- Disadvantages:
- May be more difficult to draw the weapon
- Can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear
- May not be suitable for all body types
Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) Holsters
Outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters are designed to carry the weapon outside of the officer’s waistband, typically on the hip or in the small of the back. These holsters are typically made of leather, nylon, or Kydex and are designed to provide a secure fit for the weapon.
- Advantages:
- Provides a quick and easy draw
- Can be worn in a variety of positions
- Can be used with a variety of weapons
- Disadvantages:
- May not provide complete concealment of the weapon
- Can be bulkier and heavier than other types of holsters
- May not be suitable for all body types
Table: Common Holster Types Used by Police
| Holster Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Top Holster | Open-top holster with a molded shape that cradles the weapon | Easy drawing and reholstering, provides a secure fit | May not provide complete concealment, can be bulky and uncomfortable |
| Retention Holster | Holster with a locking mechanism to keep the weapon securely in place | Provides an additional layer of security, can prevent unauthorized access | May be more difficult to draw, can be bulkier and heavier |
| IWB Holster | Holster that carries the weapon inside the officer’s waistband | Provides a secure and comfortable fit, can be worn on either side of the body | May be more difficult to draw, can be bulky and uncomfortable |
| OWB Holster | Holster that carries the weapon outside of the officer’s waistband | Provides a quick and easy draw, can be worn in a variety of positions | May not provide complete concealment, can be bulkier and heavier |
Conclusion
Police officers use a variety of holsters to carry their weapons, depending on the department’s policies, the type of weapon, and personal preference. From open-top holsters to retention holsters, and from IWB to OWB holsters, there are many options available. When choosing a holster, officers should consider factors such as ease of drawing, security, and comfort. By understanding the different types of holsters used by police officers, individuals can make informed decisions about their own holster choices.
