Gun belts were not readily used until the item became standard issue in the U.K. in 1994.The ability to carry more equipment was the chief reason why.Currently such belts can be found at a variety of retailers both on and off-line.Some officers have complained of a lack of long term dependability, due to excessive weight on belts.Such complaints have led some to favor vests that carry more equipment via various compartments,pockets,etc. Other downsides are back pain problems caused by a disproportion of weight.

However,as with any article you will have your detractors and also on the flip-side your die-hard supporters.There are several that swear by the tried and tested product.They wouldn't trade it in for anything.Officers have fought and sometimes died with these belts.They become a part of them, no different than an officer's gun. An extension of the body is what it is called.

The ingenious design was meant for durability and ease of use.The concerns about extra weight can be alleviated by accompanying less equipment.The benefits of the duty belt easily out weight the negatives. Just ask any officer that had an article on or in his utility belt that either saved his life, or helped out in some way on an assignment.Just try asking one of them about the usefulness of a utility belt.

Another tool in the war against crime, or simply a back ache producing tool, with more downsides than benefits? Depends on who you talk with I suppose, but to those who love it's simplicity and usefulness, a duty belt is in short simply another piece of law enforcement equipment that helps the proud men and women do the job that's needed, and the job that they love to do a little easier.