British Police Equipment Part 4 - Misc.

Miscellaneous Police Equipment

Torches

The USA made Maglite torch was in common use by the Police during the 1980's and 1990's. Longer versions like the one shown here were later banned on safety grounds. This light bulb version has now been superceded by LED. Cheap torches are sometimes issued to officers but the preference these days is for the smaller more powerful LED versions which are easier to carry.

12 inch 3 cell D Maglite torch

The original bulb version

The Police Dragon T12 12V Portable Searchlight shown here was part of the equipment carried in Police cars.

Dragon searchlight carried in Police cars

Breathalysers

In 1976 a British Government report proposed the introduction of roadside breathalyser tests in the UK. The Alcotest 80/A made by Dräger received Home Office approval in 1975 and was used by Avon & Somerset Police during the 1970's. This early type of breathalyser required the driver to blow into a bag to make an initial assessment of alchohol concentration. This device was the subject of many jokes during that period including this one by the commedian Tommy Cooper:

A policeman stopped me the other night, he taps on the window of the car and says: 

"Would you please blow into this bag, sir".
I said: "What for, Officer?'"
He says: "My chips are too hot".

1970's Dräger breathalyser kit

The Lion Alcolmeter S-L2A breathalyser shown below recieved Home Office approval in 1979. It was a big improvement, being more compact and easy to use. A 'fail' would result in the driver being arrested and conveyed to the nearest police station. At the Police station they would be tested again using a machine which provides a more accurate reading. The driver had the option to to give a blood sample instead.

A well used example in it's leather case

1980's 'Lion' Breathalyser

The plastic straw on the right attaches to the top

Laminated instructions were stored in the case

Both these types of breathalyser appear on eBay from time to time. The 1970's kit in it's green case can be purchased relatively cheap for such a scarce item. The Lion versions can be found for as little as £10 for just the unit without a case, or up to £40 for a complete fully working example. Lion, who made these are still going strong and continue to supply breathalysers to the Police.

An Avon & Somerset Police traffic officer demonstrating the Lion breathalyser outside the Marriot Royal Hotel in Bristol c.1990's

Click here for a timeline of the law relating to drink driving in the UK.


Click here for a short video of a current breathalyser test being performed by Thames Valley Police.

Other items

The first item shown here is for carrying a torch such as the Maglite and the other two are for carrying keys.

A selection of belt accessories

I believe it's now common for officers to carry extra items like the Leatherman multi-tool and even antiseptic gel. It's not surprising officers today need so many pockets and pouches! I'm sure many retired officers would be bewildered and perhaps amused by such an array of equipment being carried by today's policeman.