Top products from r/ProtectAndServe

Lincoln polish is awesome, kiwi parade gloss if you can’t find Lincoln. Get a bag of cotton balls. Swirl the cotton ball around the tin of polish fast and the friction will melt the polish. Swirl the cotton ball on the boot leather in small little swirls and leave the polish on until it dries.

Take a fresh cotton ball and put a few drops of water on it. If water comes out when you squish it you’re using too much. Buff out the dried on polish until it shines. The first time you do a new pair of boots repeat this cycle 7 or 8 times to build up a good base. Every time after you will only need to do one cycle unless you get a really deep scuff.

Bonus points if you get some seal-a-shine and do a coat after. Fresh cotton ball with 7-10 drops on it per boot.

I used Corcoran boot because they only have a toe cap and heel cap to polish. The marauders are canvas on the sides and super comfy and breath well in hot weather.

Links for Lincoln polish and seal-a-shine:

https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Shoe-Polish-Mahogany-Light/dp/B003XCGZCY?th=1&psc=1

http://www.dabootshop.com/product/seal-a-shine-2oz/

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.

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.

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 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.

Dude, a CD?

I highly recommend one of these. I bought one earlier this year. The sound quality is incredible and the device rests perfectly out of the way of the rest of my car gear. It makes those long nights go by a lot quicker.

I dig my Silent Partner bag a lot. I would spend too much time digging around my Patrol Ready bag. Silent Partner has everything I need right where I put it last and it holds a ton of shit. Yes, its expensive, but its built solid and worth the convenience.

Edit: If you don't want to spend that much I'd say the Hatch Patrol Bag is better than the 5.11. due to more pockets. I don't own one but after I saw another guy with it I regretted buying my Patrol Ready bag when I was new.

Uncle Mike's Law Enforcement Side-Armor Standard Car Seat Organizer, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006U0Z482/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_rsp3wbEMFE5YV



I just switched to this thing (I was using my 5.11 Rush 72 backpack as a patrol bag, but it was too cumbersome). It's study, doesn't take up much space, and fits my 48oz Nalgene that's too big for cup holders. It fits the basic stuff I needs on a regular basis: accordian file, clip board, ticket book, extra patrol gloves, Leatherman, small evidence bags, Clorox wipes, traffic vest, etc. Obviously it will only work for solo cars. If you're riding doubles than I would get something larger to keep in the trunk. And don't feel like you need to fit everything in one bag. I also use a 5.11 bail out bag for my active shooter stuff since it can be worn over my shoulder. I keep my own first aid bag (agency bags are usually improperly stocked... it's easier to maintain my own snd stock it from our supply closet). My agency also gives us these bags with some basic hazmat supplies (gas mask, filter, tyvek suit, camelback, boot boots covers, etc).

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.

I have used both, and each have their merits.

Since belt real-estate is at a premium, I chose to go with a single loop and let the cuffs hang - safariland single loop. I got this one specifically because I wanted it be flexible as well as not take up space.

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

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.

No joke, I have been wearing these boots for going on 13 years now.

Deployed to Kosovo with the Army, and Iraq as well. I am on sole number 5 but they have held up over the years, feel like tennes now.

http://www.amazon.com/Corcoran-10-PR-Marauder-Black/dp/B0002ZYV6W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425187986&sr=8-5&keywords=corcoran

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.

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)

The ones I always suggest are Way of the Warrior, 400 Things Cops Know and then pick up a book on shooting techniques. I recommend Combat Shooting by Massad Ayoob. Another one is Verbal Judo, though I haven't read it yet.

/u/FlynnRetriever I'm going to tag you too so you definitely see this because I looked up links and everything for you fam.

This looks like the pen in question.

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

Streamlight Stylus - surprisingly bright little flashlight that can fit in breast pocket. Don't use as a primary flashlight but if your primary flashlight fails, you always have a backup on you.

LED pen - awesome for writing in the dark -
https://www.amazon.com/LED-Pen-Pilots-Night-Writer/dp/B00GTZR31O

Box of cheap pens - nasty people will borrow your pen occasionally and you will want them to just keep it, especially of they put it in their mouth or something.

You could get a pocket clip for the leatherman. That's easy. The tourniquet someone already mentioned can go in a pocket or an ankle strap.

You could also get one of these, Safariland 690 Handcuff Strap, Single Snap, Black, Plain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018R1DFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WaxMzbGSDF9H8 instead of the cuff case. It takes up a lot less room on your belt.

Source: I'm a 32 waist. Or, as I like to call it, circumference impaired. I try to get as much shit off my belt as I can. Although my pants weigh a ton.

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

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

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

I found this very helpful. OP should read it

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015ZO8VG?ref%5F=olp%5Fproduct%5Fdetails&qid=1494341460&sr=1-1&me=&qid=1494341460&sr=1-1&pldnSite=1

Streamlight 75813 Stinger DS C4... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015ZO8VG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I got it on one of their flash sales for $50 a few years ago

Here is the mobile version of your link

Lincoln Stain Wax is the only way to go. But it has to be kept up daily or it will turn brown and flake off.

He has a few books. In particular:

• On Combat
  
• On Killing

Read this

This book is a must read

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

Both of you should read this book.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GTZR31O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499888017&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=pens+that+light+up&dpPl=1&dpID=31f59Xg9STL&ref=plSrch

A few guys have the 5.11 one and like it. I got the Hatch bag on sale, and have zero complaints. It's very similar to the 5.11 one; basically the same size, just different pockets. I've never seen the Galls one in person...

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

It comes from this book

The basic idea is that there are wolves, sheep, and sheepdogs. Wolves are the criminals, sheeps are civilians, and sheepdogs are police/military I think.

The sheep live happy lives and don't like having the sheepdog around, until the wolves come by. Then they beg for the sheepdog to save them.

Personally, I think it's really dumb. But that's where it comes from.

In addition to this. Here’s something I learned the words for years after I started working this way.

“Be as nice as they’ll let you be but as mean as they make you.”

If asking politely and using manners works. Do it. If it doesn’t work. Forget it. It doesn’t work. Ask, tell, make.

Read this

And learn the Verbal Judo 5 step hard style

Streamlight 75712 LED is what I use.

However, your going to have a hard time finding the right size open loop belt holster for it.

A few of my squad mates have gone with smaller units with a clip in holster like Fusion_+512 linked. I will probably buy one like that before too long. It used to be that you had to have a large flashlight like the streamlight for good output, but not so much anymore.

I don't like that the TK15 takes drop in batteries. When I take my gear off the Streamlight slips into it's charger with no effort.

Absolutely! When I was in a cruiser, I'd usually have it on the local classic/alternative rock station (though night shift did require Coast to Coast when I could get it). Unfortunately, I'm kinda on the fringe of the rock station's coverage, and now that I'm on a motor, all the extra electronics mean I usually can't pull it in. Instead, I use on of these to listen to tunes... it connects to my phone via bluetooth (allowing some basic controls - play/pause, skip, repeat) and then has an FM transmitter to the stereo.

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

I ditched my patrol bag and went to the Uncle Mike's seat organizer. I have no regrets, it's easier to find stuff and doesn't fly off the seat if I have to slam on the brakes.

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.

On killing. By Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/0316040932

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