What are the BEST Police Duty Bags? (Ultimate Guide)
By Brian Humenuk MS|CJA COPJOT
Updated on January 10, 2024
⏱️ 5-minute read or less
Police duty bags serve as the hub for your law enforcement equipment. They can organize and keep at the ready all of your most useful police equipment.
Law enforcement patrol bags come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. This article is an important start if you are looking to buy a police duty bag.
Being prepared for the fast pace and constantly changing world of policing is a must. A reliable and well-designed police duty bag is more than just an accessory—it's one of your most important tools for success.
By considering factors such as durability, organization, and specialized features, officers can find a duty bag that not only meets their practical needs but also enhances their overall efficiency and preparedness on duty.
Duty bags have come really far since I first became a law enforcement officer.
Police duty bags like the Samdew Patrol Bag with 2 detachable MOLLE pouches have so many compartments for just about any piece of equipment you can imagine using on the job.
These bags just didn't exist back in the 1990's.
In this article, we will dive into the world of police duty bags, exploring the top choices that blend functionality and size.
Be sure to read to the end of this article. I give pro tips on police patrol bag setup, organization and how to keep yours looking new.
If you are new to COPJOT and me as an author please check out my other articles here at the blog index.
and...
Be sure to read the next article where I break down the top Law Enforcement Gear Must Haves >> Top 10 Police Gadgets and Essential COP Gear Must Haves <<
Let’s dive in.
Why should I use a Police Duty Bag?
If you are a patrol officer or hold a special assignment where you are mobile and look to use gear and equipment on the go a duty bag is a must.
The duty bag will give you immediate access to safety equipment, evidence gathering and control equipment, report writing accessories and personal care products and replenishment.
Having a law enforcement duty bag with you prevents constant trips back to the station or headquarters to retrieve those items.
Essential Features of Police Patrol Bags
The following are features that you should consider when buying a law enforcement duty bag.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of a police duty bag are crucial factors to consider. A good police duty bag should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Some of the most common materials used in police duty bags include nylon, polyester, and ballistic nylon. These materials are known for their durability, water resistance, and resistance to tearing.
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of a police duty bag are also important factors to consider.
A good police duty bag should be large enough to carry all the necessary equipment and supplies, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry.
Some of the most common sizes for police duty bags range from small to medium to large. The size of the bag will depend on the specific needs of the officer.
Compartments and Organization
A good police duty bag should have multiple compartments and pockets for organizing equipment and supplies. This will help keep everything organized and easily accessible when needed.
Some of the most common compartments and pockets found in police duty bags include a main compartment, side pockets, front pockets, and internal dividers.
Comfort and Portability
Finally, a good police duty bag should be comfortable and portable. It should be easy to carry and not cause any unnecessary strain on the officer's back or shoulders.
Some features that can enhance comfort and portability include padded shoulder straps, adjustable straps, and a padded back panel.
Best Police Duty Bag
The best duty bags for police officers are those that have a lot of compartments within the patrol bag yet they are extremely functional while police officers are in stressful conditions.
- Many of the police duty bags that we consider the best provide for:
- Are large enough to carry all of your police equipment,
- Many compartments that are easily accessible.
- Have handles and slings so that they can be carried in and out of police vehicles.
- Are sturdy and are made with quality materials including strong zippers.
- Are waterproof and tear proof.
Law Enforcement Patrol Organizer
For Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs and State Troopers who have take home vehicles or who are the only one assigned to a patrol vehicle another option available to you is the duty bag organizer.
It is great for LEO's who don't want to carry a lot of equipment. This equipment organizer secures to the headrest and is easily accessible.
What are some police duty bag essentials?
I have compiled a list of police duty bag contents. You should consider putting them on a police duty bag checklist so that after you purchase and receive your new equipment bag you can start to gather the items.
Police Duty Bag Checklist |
|
|---|---|
| Extra Patrol Pens | Protective Gloves |
| Traffic Vest | Multi Tool |
| Extra Handcuffs | Handcuff key |
| Tactical Pen | Fluorescent Marking Paint |
| Flex Cuffs / zip ties | Vicks Vapor Rub |
| Flashlight | Traffic Gloves |
| Hand Warmers | Spare Ammunition |
| Legal and Agency Documents | Clip Board with Storage |
| Knife / Seat Belt Cutter | Power Bank / Charger |
| Tourniquet |
Sunglasses |
| Traffic Whistle | First Aid Kit |
| Emergency Snacks | Trauma Shears |
| Sunscreen | Hand Sanitizer |
| Chapstick | Rain Coat |
| Winter Beanie | Fleece Face Mask |
| Backup Radio Battery | Flashlight Traffic Cone |
| Rechargeable Traffic Flares | Cell Phone Charger |
| Evidence Collection Bags |
Binoculars |
5.11 Police Duty Bag - Tactical Wingman Patrol Bag
Durable Construction
Crafted from high-quality 600D polyester, the Wingman Patrol Bag exhibits robust durability, capable of withstanding the wear and tear associated with law enforcement duties. The reinforced handles and heavy-duty zippers contribute to the bag's overall sturdiness.
Smart Organization
Despite its compact size, the Wingman Patrol Bag offers intelligent organization features. Multiple pockets, compartments, and dividers allow officers to segregate and access different items quickly. From paperwork to tactical gear, every essential has its designated space.
Quick-Access Features
The bag is designed for efficiency, with quick-access features such as a front admin panel and a loop-sided Velcro patch for attaching identification or morale patches. This ensures officers can swiftly retrieve necessary items during critical moments without fumbling through the bag.
Versatile Carry Options
The Wingman Patrol Bag provides versatile carrying options, with a detachable shoulder strap for ease of transport outside the vehicle. The reinforced grab-and-go handles facilitate a swift transition from the vehicle to the field.
- MOLLE Compatibility
For additional customization, the bag incorporates MOLLE webbing on the front and sides. This feature allows officers to attach compatible accessories or pouches, tailoring the bag to specific operational needs.
What is MOLLE you might ask. Check out this video for a full explanation.
- Hydration Ready
Staying hydrated is paramount during patrols. The Wingman Patrol Bag includes a dedicated hydration compartment, ensuring officers can keep water readily available without compromising on space.
- Secured Documents Compartment
Recognizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive documents, the Wingman Patrol Bag features a secured compartment designed to protect paperwork from damage or unauthorized access.
Police Patrol Backpacks
Depending on your preference of carrying your gear a police duty bag backpack might be right for you. I find that the patrol backpacks are a little smaller than the duffle style police duty bags and they are easier to carry given their ability to be tossed on your back or slung over your shoulder.
They make a great option for law enforcement officers and sheriff’s deputies who want to carry less gear or want to throw in a laptop computer or tablet.
A patrol backpack can also be a bonus to detectives that might need to cover large amounts of area in order to get to a crime scene or officers who work in a marine or ATV unit.
A quick note about patrol backpacks is that I find they are more round on the bottom than their duffle bag counterparts and if the weight in them is not distributed evenly they tend to roll if not secured to a headrest.
Best Police Backpack
The best police backpack is one that is durable and large enough to carry all of your equipment needs but compact enough to carry on your back or slung over your shoulder.
Police Duty Bag Setup
The setup of a police duty bag is crucial for ensuring that law enforcement officers have quick and efficient access to essential tools and equipment while on duty.
A well-organized and thoughtfully arranged duty bag setup contributes to an officer's readiness and overall effectiveness in various situations.
Here are key aspects that highlight the importance of the setup of a police duty bag:
Quick Access to Essential Tools
In high-stress situations, officers need immediate access to critical tools such as communication devices, flashlights, and first aid supplies. A well-organized setup ensures that these essential items are easily reachable, enabling rapid response when needed.
Efficient Time Management
Time is often of the essence in law enforcement. An organized duty bag setup allows officers to locate and retrieve items quickly, reducing the time spent searching for tools and enhancing overall efficiency during daily tasks or emergency responses.
Tactical Considerations
Law enforcement duty bags often include tactical features such as MOLLE systems for attaching additional accessories. The setup should take advantage of these features to allow for customization and flexibility in carrying tactical tools or gear.
Prioritization of High-Use Items
High-priority items, such as communication devices or defensive tools, should be strategically placed for immediate access. This prioritization ensures that officers can quickly respond to evolving situations without delay.
Police Duty Bag Organizer
You should consider having a file organizer within your police duty bag so that you may be able to quickly access and produce forms, legal documents and other essential paperwork.
The value in having a patrol bag organizer is that it provides you ample storage without being too large and has a nice size flat surface for writing along with a clip board to keep paperwork in place.
While working a traffic crash or investigation you will be thankful that you are able to have a nice size space to take larger and more detailed notes while also accessing agency forms on the go.
About the Author
Brian Humenuk isn't just an entrepreneur in eCommerce, he is also an informed leader whose experience provides followers and visitors with a look into current and past police issues making headlines in the United States.
Brian has earned three degrees in Criminal Justice with the last, a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.
Brian extends his training, education, and experience to the officers just now getting into the field so that they may become more informed police officers and stay clear of police misconduct and corruption.
You can find out more about Brian and the COPJOT story on the ABOUT US page.
Affiliate Disclosure
COPJOT is supported by its audience. If you make a purchase through links on this site I may earn a small affiliate commission. Enough to buy myself a small coffee and I want to thank you in advance.
More Information
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