Want to get something nice but useful for the law enforcement officer in your life? You’ve come to the right place! Here are 13 gift ideas for cops that are tried and tested – items that my husband (a law enforcement officer himself) says he can’t live without. Whether you’re looking for a police academy graduation gift, a birthday gift or something for the holidays, you’ll find a great idea here.
Police Officer Gift Ideas
When my husband graduated from the police academy in what seems forever ago now, I remember being totally stuck for gift ideas. I came across lots of lists, but the truth is, you don’t really know what you need until you’ve done the job for a while. Even with recommendations from more seasoned cops, what works for one guy or gal may not work for you. You have to find what you’re comfortable in, which brand you trust as reliable ones, and which tools you just work with the best.
All of the products in this list are either products that my husband personally owns, or he has tried them out and they’re on his own wishlist. With Christmas just around the corner, I hope to mark a few of these off for him!
Now, he’s not tied down to a particular brand for most things; he simply looks at the best price from a handful of brands he trusts. And keep in mind that he’s a patrolman — if your friend/spouse/relative works in a different department, these may or may not be useful to them.
My husband says that the essentials are:
- A patrol bag/seat organizer: A patrol bag or seat organizer is a lifesaver for any cop. It keeps all the essentials—like paperwork, snacks, and first-aid supplies—neatly organized and within arm’s reach. No more fumbling around the car looking for that one thing you need.
- A good flashlight that’ll fit in your pocket: A small but powerful flashlight that fits in a pocket is indispensable. Whether it’s for checking a dark alley or reading a driver’s license during a traffic stop, a good flashlight is a must-have tool.
- A shirt stay: Nobody likes an unkempt uniform shirt. A shirt stay keeps the shirt tucked in neatly, so the officer looks professional all day long. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
- Tactical gloves for shooting, driving, searching, etc.: a pair of gloves comes in handy in lots of different scenarios
- Deployment bag for large gear: Sometimes, a regular bag just won’t cut it. A deployment bag is designed to hold large gear like helmets and larger tactical vests. It’s the go-to bag for special assignments; he uses one for SWAT gear.
- Ballistic glasses for the range: Get some non-tinted ones for night-time shooting training scenarios. Safety first, especially at the shooting range. Ballistic glasses protect the eyes and offer clear vision.
- 5.11 Cool tees to wear under the uniform shirt: He seriously lives in these things. He wears one every single day. They’re designed to be worn under a uniform shirt and are made with moisture-wicking fabric.
- SiriusXM radio: Okay… this isn’t an essential, but if your department doesn’t mind, it’s nice to have on those slow nights. As long as the department is cool with it, a SiriusXM subscription can make those long hours a bit more enjoyable.
- Binoculars: Most departments provide binoculars, but having a personal pair can be a game-changer. They come in handy for surveillance or when you need to get a closer look from a distance.
- A good multi-tool: A multi-tool can do everything from cutting a seatbelt off someone who’s stuck in a car to opening bottles, making it a versatile piece of equipment to have on hand.
- A non-serrated knife: A straightforward, non-serrated knife is easier to clean and maintain. It’s useful for cutting through seat belts in emergencies or for other utility tasks. It’s also useful as a backup.
- Ear protection for the range: Shooting without ear protection? Bad idea. A good pair of earmuffs or earplugs can protect against hearing damage during recertification drills and shooting practice.
- A rugged phone case: Dropping the phone at some point is a given. Your phone won’t look as sleek, but at least it won’t shatter into a thousand pieces if it hits the pavement.
To find out more about each item or to buy it, just click the pictures below.
Tried and Tested Gift Ideas for Cops
Do you work in law enforcement? Know someone who does? What would you add to this list?