During natural and manmade disaster situation, it is very important that officers have the equipment and supplies needed to be self-sufficient for extended periods.

Sergeant J. M. Smith of Central Jail III has compiled a valuable and practical list of essential supplies that will be important for all officers to have during an extended emergency. Sergeant Smith stated, "This is a list of the stuff an officer may want to consider bringing to work with him. This is a just in case thing, just in case we get held over for several days." He went on to explain, "The list includes things I read that New Orleans officers wish they would have had with them. Many of of the items have dual purposes, like using a jack to open a door or lift a tree, the tarps for shelter and for making a stretcher. One thing missing from the list is a cot or sleeping pad."

During natural and manmade disaster situation, it is very important that officers have the equipment and supplies needed to be self-sufficient for extended periods. Recent events elsewhere have proven that relief and backup support may take hours if not days to reach areas you may be assigned to patrol.

Emergency Kit for Police 3 Day Call Up

Essential items

Most of these items will fit into a single large bag or back (ruck) pack. Preferred method of carry would be by backpack. Permanently mark all personal items and backpack.

*Complete regulation uniform w/weapon, vest, night stick/ASP, taser

*Dry, canned, or pre-cooked MRE type food for 3 days minimum

*Energy bars/hard candy/crackers/popcorn/snack foods

*Military style mess kit or small pot/pan (clean with brillo pad)

*Eating utensils (multiple lite plastic or one set metal/hard plastic)

*Waterproof matches, bic type lighters

*3 gallons of water (camel back, canteens) *Heavy plastic garbage sacks

*Sleeping bag/blanket/space blanket *Rain gear, raid jacket, add uniform

*Personal medicines (diarrhea meds) *Heavy gloves

*Hunting/military type knife with sheath *Sun Screen

*Antibacterial soap/hand wash *Sanitary Wipes/toweletts

*Flashlight and chargers (12vdc and 110vac) *Toilet paper

*Police issued radio/batteries, scanner *6 road flares (Fusees)

*Mosquito repellant (prefer liquid) *Police Whistle

*Manual or military type can opener *Folding pocket knife

*Small first aid kit (bandages/burns) *50 feet 3/8” nylon rope

*Personal toiletries *Small hatchet

*Cash debit/credit may not be available. *Key map

*Cell phone (give your number to your Sgt. and get his/hers)

Nice to have items

Items not carried in backpack could be carried in a large sturdy bag, or preferably kept in your vehicle. Rescue and heavy/bulky items should be left in vehicle until needed. Park vehicle on highest ground available. Never leave weapons unattended, if necessary secure weapons and post a guard.

Shotgun/Carbine w/ extra ammo for each Chain Saw (gas powered)

Shoulder strap for shotgun/carbine Come along w/chain

Extra handcuffs/flex cuffs w/ keys Large Axe/Hatchet/Bolt Cutters

100 feet nylon rope 3/8” (2 50’ sections) Additional water

12 X 12 Tarp(s) with grommets Additional food items

3 complete changes of clothing (uniforms) Female hygiene supplies

Leatherman tool Pry bar/crow bar, auto type jack(s)

Cell phone chargers Life jacket

Insulated thermos Towel/wash cloth

Battery powered am/fm radio Chemical Lightsticks Extra footwear andsocks Rubber boots/neoprene waders

Personal entertainment (book, games etc) Back pack type/camp stove w/ fuel

Fuel Siphon Hose (boat fuel bulb hose) Coleman type lantern w/fuel

Ice Chest Small dc-ac inverter for vehicle use

Water purification tabs, or small bottle of unscented bleach (1/2 oz to gallon tainted water)

Beverage powders, tea, kool-aid, coffee, energy drink, pre-sweetened if possible

These items are merely suggestions, one officer to another for your personal comfort. This list is not sanctioned, approved or required by the department. Review the list, make your own decisions on what to bring with you keeping department rules and regs in mind.

Questions, comments, suggestions: Sgt J. M. Smith 713-247-4248 2300-0700

News Archives