My best friend of 16 years is becoming a Police Officer soon, and I would like to get him a gift that is practical. I would like to get him something he can use on a daily basis.
If you are a cop, what item do you think would be appropriate?
Thanks,
Josh
A 20 pack of good pens that are disposable.
Thanks lol I never would have guessed pens of all things.
Set of handcuffs with his Name and Badge Number engraved on them. It is amazing how easy it is to lose your handcuffs when you’re involved in a multiple arrest situation.
If not that, think of a TDI knife that he can wear on his belt or a pen style handcuff key.
Remember the disposable part.
Pencils are better because they can be used in the rain outside. Pen ink smears when wet.
When my cousin became a police officer, I bought him a case of Purell. “What’s this for?” Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Six weeks into the job, he called me to thank me for the Purell and told me the storied of how he and his FTO (field training officer) handled the smelliest, dirtiest, most horrifying disgusting criminal and it made his day they got to clean up afterward with the Purell I got him. I told him, “Welcome to law enforcement. Told ya so.”
Are all Handcuffs created equal? Whats the best place for a civilian to look for such things? Also what is a TDI knife?
A good knife, flashlight, duty bag, metal forms holder, accident templates, electronic ear pro for range, leather duty gloves, sunglasses…just a few to get you thinking. And congrats to your friend.
http://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Enforcement-Last-Ditch-Knife/dp/B0013LNLNS
S&W and Peerless (IIRC) are the good ones for cuffs.
ASP cuffs are popular around here. Galls is a good place to start looking for gear. A Ka-Bar TDI: http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/76
I prefer the Peerless. The younger guys seem to like the ASP Cuffs better. I find that the ASP Cuffs bind when I use them.
I’m too lazy to look, but I thnk that Galls may engrave the cuffs that they sell. At leat they did at one time.
This is the style of TDI that I like.
http://www.meijer.com/s/ka-bar-tdi-law-enforcement-knife/_/R-181236;jsessionid=0086C37E9EB46D789AB3CDD0826F1AAD.instance02?CAWELAID=895421131&cmpid=goobase
Thanks everyone these are some fantastic ideas!
Fuzzy pink handcuffs. 
J/K. A gift certificate towards a BUG (I highly recommend the S&W Bodyguard or J-Frame).
One of our DT instructors is known to break ASP cuffs as a part of his demonstration as why they suck.
Probably one of the best gifts would be a gym membership.
The Cross pen/pencil set is nice too. Probably about $35 bucks give or take.
The mechanical pencil is a good compliment to the pen as it can write in freezing and wet weather.
Training on how to shoot his pistol???
C4
Illumination tool(s).
AC
EDC flashlights, pocket folders, handcuffs are common gifts. As are nice pens. A blow out kit would be nice, but not enduring. A pair of decent compact binocs would be useful.
An attache or backpack would be a great gift. Something that isn’t uniquely a duty bag, and doesn’t scream “COP” would be ideal. That way, he can get more use out of it than just on the job.
I’m big on stuff that isn’t obviously or uniquely LE.
Nothing that hasn’t already been suggested.
Surefire Light.
Some good mechanical pencils.
Pistol training class.
Hand sanitizer.
A good pair o’ cuffs.
A Spanish language course. In my neck of the woods Spanish speaking deputies get an additional 5% pay.
Software:
Training class from LAV, Pat McNamara, Dave Harrington, etc
Hardwear:
Surefire G2X
Leatherman Wave