(Editor’s Note: The following was written by NAUMD Executive Director Rick Levine and first appeared in the October edition of Officer.com):

Law enforcement professionals are no strangers to change. As the world around them evolves, so do the tools they rely on to ensure public safety and maintain order. In recent years, a remarkable transformation has taken place in the landscape of law enforcement duty gear. I’ve had the privilege to connect with representatives from some of the leading gear manufacturers and distributors in the industry, and their insights shed light on the exciting trends shaping the future of law enforcement equipment.

Load bearing vests: Matt Baumeyer, from Siegel’s Uniforms, highlighted a significant shift in the way duty gear is being worn. “We are starting to see more and more accounts go to load bearing vests, which allows them to wear the duty gear on the vest vs on the duty belt,” Baumeyer explained. This change offers officers greater flexibility and comfort during their shifts. Brands now offer a wide variety of gear options that can be attached to load bearing vests, accommodating both molle and belt attachments. This trend not only optimizes officer mobility but also helps distribute weight more evenly, reducing the strain of extended wear.