Police Flashlight Grip

[Dave Feldman]

I write a series of books in which I answer little mysteries sent in by readers. I received an email from a reader who asked a question that I've wondered about. Here's what he wrote:

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"I've noticed that police (-the real ones as well as those who play them on t.v.-) hold their flashlights in a kind of over hand manner - the way one might hold a knife to stab someone in the chest. We civilians tend to hold our flashlights from underneath, in a kind of semi bowling, or fishing rod angle. With both methods you can shine the flashlight from floor to ceiling, but the police style feels a lot more awkward. Yet they
must have their reasons. What are they?"
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I'd appreciate any comments you might have, assuming that there is such a thing as a "police grip" that you are taught during training.

Best,

Dave Feldman (feldman@imponderables.com)

[HK45cal]

I cant ever remember one time being taught how to hold your flash light (it just seems very comical to me that someone would teach a class on such unless it is in regards to night firing.

The way "we" hold a flashlight gives you a tactical advantage against the person that you are talking to in case of a use of force situation. Think about it, your arm is already in raised or almost a defensive position against an attack, not to mention you have something in your hand that can strike a pressure point. You can look at a traffic stop, when I am walking up to the car I dont think I ever make eye contact for more than a few seconds at a time. Im looking through the car, at hands, containers, etc, etc. You cannot see those things well by holding it at your waist

[Dave Feldman]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by HK45cal


You can look at a traffic stop, when I am walking up to the car I dont think I ever make eye contact for more than a few seconds at a time. Im looking through the car, at hands, containers, etc, etc. You cannot see those things well by holding it at your waist.

I guess when you are looking at the interior of a car, you are looking down, so the "overhand" grip makes more sense. Would you do the same if you were, say, searching a dark house?

Thanks,
Dave

[replay]

Searching a house... I general have it underhand gripped with my elbows straight and arm way out forward, like I would when I'm holding a gun. Basically, two arms side by side, one holding a gun, one holding a flashlight. Both move together. Another method I sometimes do is overhand group with my flashlight hand under my shooting hand to act as support and help steady the movements of both hands. I'm sure you've seen this one on cop shows/movies.

[HK45cal]

I never extend my arms out unless I intend on shooting someone. If im moving through a house with my arms extend and a burglar is around the corner, he sees my arms and flashlight there is a pretty good chance he might grab me. I have a tactical flashlight that attaches to my weapon.

Another reason why I would never extend my arms out while doing any type of searching is because if your arms are already extended out, one they are bound to get tired, two there is no strength in those arms if they are extended, the closer the hands and arms are to the body the stronger they are going to be. I search in a low ready position where my arms look like a crooked "V"

[Oldbillplod]

I hold my flashlight (torch) overhead so if a bad person jumps out on me I can carve them a new a**hole in their forehead without having to get my baton out.

[Scruit]

I hold my flashlight overhead also, but only if I'm using a MagLite though. I have a tactical flashlight attached to the mag tube of my mossberg that comes in handy for investigating suspicious noises around the barn and workshop at night. Also makes a good aiming guide, because the shot is centered on the circle of light.

[HK45cal]

Ive learned that if I break out the old trusty shotgun and a citizen sees me doing such, they get highly upset and think im going lynch someone, dunnno??

[Switchback]

My AR and my Glock have lights mounted all the time. My sig does not.

When I clear with the Sig I like using a technique that seems to manage recoil a little more than other techniques I have tried. It works best with a surefire with the pressure switch at the end cap. You hold the light like a cigar in your support hand, between your index finger and your middle finger, and then place the switch into your palm. You actuate the switch by bringing your fingers towards your palm to put pressure on the switch. Now, you can still make great use of your support hand as support when firing. Unlike other techniques I have seen, you can actually forma decent support hand grip and still use the light/gun together.

Now, when just using a light, w'o a wepon drawn (rare) I am at a bit of a disadvantage to most the patrol guys. I have no big light that doubles as a stick. I am plainclothed and stick with my little surefire 6Z (I think it's a 6Z). Grip just depends onwhat I am doing.

[Scruit]

Where I live nobody sees me if I investigate noises around the barn or workshop. The only person who *would* see me is someone who shouldn't be there.