Vee3 said:
A friend of mine is an LA County Deputy. He and his fellows are not too keen on the "nerf" lights (His words) that the LAPD and LASD are proposing. It seems that having a big multi - D cell light in hand while talking to someone on the street is comforting to them. I think I would be more comfortable with one too if I were in their shoes.
My friend thinks that replacing the big lights will take away a handy tool that's often right in their hand when a need for something other than just a light might present itself...
Dang right. If you think about it for minute, a Deputy working at night, (presumably with only two hands), may have a light in one and his baton available, but not in hand. An escalating conflict leaves him(her) with the choices of drawing a weapon, (or CS), or the baton. Having a light which could double as a defensive weapon multiplies the options that Officer has.
The "nerf lights" are the SF, Scorpions, Strions, etc. that the guys carry anyhow. There is a move afoot to limit street cops to only smaller lights which are not effective as "impact weapons".
BIG OL' BLACK flashlight? Yes!
BIG OL' BLACK flashlight with pepper spray? Hell Yes!