Top 5 Police Flashlight: Best Law Enforcement Flashlights to Buy Today

Many of you may believe that the police flashlight is for police only, but is it true? No, it isn’t. When police flashlight, often called tactical flashlights, make one of the most useful protection gears for police, it also makes perfect sense for other people. Here are the five best police flashlights that make a good option for your needs.

5 Best Law Enforcement Flashlights for Police Use

Best Weapon Mounted Flashlight: Streamlight TLR-1 HL

 

Let’s start with an excellent option for people who want to mount a flashlight on their guns. The TLR-1 HL is one of the most popular models by Steamlight, Inc., a well-recognized US-based flashlight manufacturer that is known for its high-quality flashlights.

This easy to mount flashlight features 800 lumens with strobe, that offers 12,000-candela peak beam intensity. It uses one of the most advanced technologies – the C4 LED circuits to produce an impressive optical illumination. The use of TIR optics also produces a concentrated beam that allows you to focus on your target with ease.

The lifespan of the LED lights is 50,000 hours which makes it one in a lifetime investment. The waterproof design also allows you to use it in the rain. The sturdy design also comes with an IPx7 rating, which means you can use it in any environment without compromising on its effectiveness.

It is made of military and aircraft grade aluminum with anodized finish, with a shock-mounted glass lens.

Pros

• Came from one of the top flashlight brands
• Durable and sturdy built
• Eye-catching design
• Offers the best value for your money

Con

• Not among the affordable options

 

Best Affordable and General Purpose Option: EcoGear FX Handheld Flashlight

 

EcoGear FX is another US-based brand that is known for its eco-friendly products for camping and outdoor activities including flashlights. The affordable tactical flashlight kit features two backup rechargeable batteries (along with 3 AAA batteries), a battery charger, and a professional grade LED Tactical Flashlight.

The ultra-bright flashlight can offer 900 to 1200 lumens brightness based on the setting. It projects around 900 lumens when fully charged but reach up to 1200 lumens when you use the zoom feature.

It is designed as a tactical or police flashlight for security purposes but can also work for home users. The multi-functional flashlight comes with five different light modes along with adjustable zoom focus.

Pros

• Strong strobe light option
• Easy to switch between 5 light modes
• Sturdy-built with aluminum alloy
• Water resistant hard-anodized finish

Con

• May drain batteries quicker than expected

Long Range Flashlight for Rescue and Search: Armytek Barracuda Pro V2

 

Not for everyone because of its price and specific use, but if you’re looking for a long-range flashlight for rescue or search missions, hunting purpose, or for any other reason, nothing can beat Armytek Barracuda Pro V2.

An upgrade to their most popular model, the barracuda, this one offers 1500 lumens to beat all other options on our list in terms of brightness. It can easily illuminate large areas from 800 meters. Even though it is a comparatively long flashlight (9.65-inches), as it uses four batteries, but it still weighs light as it is made of fall-proof aluminum.

Pros

• The package also includes four powerful batteries
• Offers seven light modes including strobe
• Focused Beam

Con

• Due to its length, some people may find it irritating to carry

Most Compact Option: Under Control Tactical Pen Flashlight

 

The element of surprise is often a benefit in challenging decisions, and this one offers you the same along with strong brightness. Under Control Tactical is a well-known US-based brand that is known for its survival and military gear.

It is the most compact option on our list that resembles a pen. One of the best options for self-defense with its strong bright light, it also offers plenty of other features within a compact package. For example, it includes DNA Defender, an integrated glass breaker, and rugged belt clip.

The tiny size (6.5 inches in length) makes it also easy to hide and makes a good option for females. You only have to twist the cap to turn it off or on.

Pros

• Easy to carry
• Versatile flashlight
• Comes with a lifetime warranty
• Refill compatible pen

Con

• Not for those looking for strong brightness

Dual Output Option: SureFire Defender Series

 

Another US-based company known for their high-end tactical equipment and illumination tools, SureFire is one of the most recognized brands on our list. The unique dual output defender series is among their most popular flashlights, and for all the right reasons.

It features a dual-output tail cap switch to jump between different modes that include momentary-on high, constant-on high, and low. Made of highly-durable aerospace grade aluminum, that makes it durable as well as lightweight.

It also features strike bezel, TIR lens, and two light output options that include 600 lumens and 5 lumens.

Pros

• Affordable option
• Multi-purpose flashlight
• Strong built
• Comes from one of the oldest manufacturers of flashlights in the US

Con

• Comes with a sharp bezel that can cut your hand

Many of you may be wondering, what makes police flashlight different from other commonly used or traditional flashlights? Here is the quick answer:

What is Police Flashlight?

The primary function of the police flashlight is the same as other flashlights, that is lighting things up in the dark. However, it comes with some additional features as well.

First, it is designed for tactical use by police and other law enforcement agencies, including the military. These are most commonly used with a firearm when there is dark.

Types of Police Flashlights

The two common types of police flashlights include:

• Weapon-mounted flashlight
• Handheld flashlight

Pretty much self-explanatory names, if you want to use your flashlight with a weapon, go for weapon-mounted version, otherwise, use a handheld flashlight. Handheld police flashlight is mostly used with handguns. However, you can also use police flashlight even if you don’t own a gun.

If you are a hunter, who like to hunt in the night, or just need one for your gun, buy a weapon-mounted flashlight. It is slightly costly compared to handheld flashlight as it is made of more sturdy material to stand against the recoil of the gun.

Police or tactical handheld flashlights have narrow bodies so they can fit in your palm, while some feature a ring to fit your fingers. This way, you can use both hands to handle a gun while keeping the flashlight in control as well.

You can also attach a lanyard to most of these flashlights to drop them when needed and then retrieve them back quickly.

Features to Look for in a Police Flashlight

If you are planning to buy a flashlight, make sure you are clear about your requirements as well as features to look for and compare.

• How Bright is it?

This is probably the first thing you want to look into before buying any flashlight. After all, you’re buying a flashlight, so looking into brightness makes perfect sense. As tactical flashlight is used for hunting and other challenging situations, it must have good brightness, something more than 200 lumens light at least.

In many cases, a powerful flashlight can also scare the danger away. The higher the brightness, the higher the chances of blinding robbers or muggers in the dark. This is why the use of tactical light is often listed as one of the best ways to survive a mugging.

• Strobe Function

One of the features that make police or tactical flashlight different from other flashlights is the strobe feature. The strobe feature flashes light quickly to make the attacker blind, and used commonly by law enforcement agencies for its disorienting effect.

• Strike Bezel

Strike bezel is another useful feature available in tactical flashlights, offering you better self-defense capability. It is a rim available on the head of the tactical flashlights, protecting its lens. You can see it mostly as a crown placed over the head. These steel strike bezels can cause severe damage if you use them to hit your attacker.

• Are They Handy?

Tactical flashlights must be easy to use and handy. They must have simple and small designs without any complications. After all, who wants to look into the features and read about the functions when in danger?

• Is it Durable Enough?

You don’t want your flashlight to stop working right at the moment when you need it the most, do you? After all, this is why you are buying a police flashlight instead of a traditional one, to help you in the tough situations. So you also need a tough, durable, water-proof, and long-lasting flashlights. There are options available in the market that will still work after you run a heavy vehicle over them.

Why Do You Need a Police Flashlight?

You can use police or tactical flashlight for a variety of needs, that include:

• For Self-defense
• For identifying things when there is dark
• For hunting in the dark
• For emergency situations

Conclusion

We have listed some of the best police flashlights according to your unique needs. You can find both, the most affordable as well as an expensive option. Similarly, you can choose between a compact pen-style flashlight along with a long range flashlight that offers 1500 lumens and can light an entire field. It is up to your unique needs which one from our list makes sense to you.