Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for all my law enforcement friends. I want to talk about hand placement when wearing a vest or vest carrier.
I’ve seen a lot of things in my time on the road. And a trend that’s raised my eyebrows more than once is officers routinely resting their hands inside their vests or vest carriers during traffic stops or on calls. Now, I understand that comfort and habit play a role in how you carry your equipment. But let me be clear. When your hands aren’t visible and immediately accessible, you’re putting yourself and your fellow officers at unnecessary risk.
“Make a conscious effort to reposition your hands so they’re not confined to your vest.”
Think about a traffic stop that suddenly becomes unpredictable. In those split seconds, every movement counts. When your hand is tucked away, it delays your ability to draw your weapon or engage a potential threat quickly. In high-pressure situations, hesitation can be the difference between a controlled resolution and a dangerous escalation.
Officer safety is about more than just having the right gear. It’s about how you carry it. Your stance and hand positioning should send a clear message: You’re alert, ready, and aware of your surroundings. Keeping your hands visible not only reduces the time it takes to react but also signals to a suspect that you won’t be caught off guard. This can de-escalate a situation before it turns volatile.
Take a moment during each call to assess your stance. Make a conscious effort to reposition your hands so they’re not confined to your vest. A slight adjustment in your posture can be the difference between a safe outcome and a delayed reaction in a critical moment.
A visible ready stance might just be the safeguard that keeps you and your coworkers out of harm’s way. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember: Every second counts out there.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
