Tactical Accessories
These tactical accessories are the smaller items that finish a uniform, a duty belt or a field kit. They're grouped here because they don't fit neatly elsewhere, and most of them get used every shift.
Identification makes up a big part of the range: Rothco security officer, special police, bail enforcement, fire department, EMT and security enforcement badges, plus leather clip-on, neck, round and NYPD style badge holders, ID and badge wallets, and a military style armband ID holder. Police issue clip-on and hook n' loop neckties suit uniformed security and corrections staff.
For signaling there are whistles: the U.S. Navy Storm all weather whistle, a 118 dB loud emergency whistle, a Fox 40 Classic, G.I. style police, scout and boatman's whistles, and lanyards to carry them. Protective gear includes SWAT and low-profile tactical knee and elbow pads, neoprene knee pad inserts, hard shell shin and forearm guards, and tactical cover up sleeves.
Medical and rescue items include EMS shears, a window punch, a drop leg medical pouch, an EMT medical trauma kit and a trauma kit backpack. You'll also find MasterLock and Rothco locks, Tracker IV and StreetWise metal detectors, flashlight and silent key holders, a glove pouch and ITW Grimloc D-rings.
A note for service members: DA PAM 670-1 has specific rules for MP accessories like whistles; see the guide below.
How to Choose Tactical Accessories
Because this category is so mixed, shop it by task. Think about what you reach for during a shift or a training day that doesn't have a home yet, and fill those gaps.
Badges and ID Holders
Badges here are for the roles printed on them, such as security officer or EMT. Pick a holder by how you want to display it: a clip-on holder for the belt, a neck holder for plainclothes work, or a wallet that carries ID and badge together. Note that a badge is not a credential; your employer or licensing authority decides what you may wear on duty. Some states regulate badges that resemble police badges, so check before wearing one in public.
Whistles
A whistle carries farther than a voice and works when you're out of breath. The Fox 40 Classic uses a pealess design, and the Navy Storm whistle is labeled all weather, while the loud emergency whistle is rated at 118 dB. A lanyard keeps it close to hand.
Knee, Elbow and Shin Protection
Low-profile pads fit under or over pants and suit all-day wear; SWAT style pads offer more coverage for training and airsoft. Hard shell shin and forearm guards add protection for crowd control training. Make sure straps hold the pad in place when you kneel and stand repeatedly. Neoprene knee pad inserts add cushioning without a full strap-on pad. Check the product details for fit before ordering, and size pads so they sit centered on the joint rather than sliding down the shin.
Medical and Rescue Tactical Accessories
EMS shears cut clothing and seatbelts, and a window punch breaks tempered side glass in an emergency. A drop leg medical pouch or trauma kit puts first aid supplies where you can reach them. Training in bleeding control is worth more than any kit, so pair the gear with a class.
Locks, Detectors and Small Carry Items
Combination and keyed padlocks secure lockers and gear boxes. The Tracker IV and StreetWise metal detectors round out the mix; check each product page to see whether it suits ground searching or hand-held screening. Flashlight holders, silent key holders, a glove pouch and Grimloc D-rings keep small items mounted where you want them, on a belt or on MOLLE webbing. A steel belt key clip keeps keys on the belt and off your pockets, which matters if you carry a large ring on duty.
Tactical Accessories and Military Regulations
DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 20-19, lists accessories military police may wear while performing official law enforcement or corrections duties, including a whistle in brass, black or olive drab and a lanyard in olive drab, black or white. These items are authorized but not mandated, and the provost marshal or commander can approve them for ceremonies. Check that a whistle color matches the list before wearing it on duty.
Pads, medical pouches and other field items fall under the gear your unit issues or approves. DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 4-7, makes Soldiers who buy uniform items from commercial sources responsible for making sure they meet military specifications. Commercial accessories make sense for personal kits and off-duty training, and unit and command policies can be stricter than the regulation.