8 Best Police Flashlights: Tactical, Rechargeable

Crimes and offensive violations often happen in places without light. That’s why to keep peace and order, it’s vital for law enforcement and a police officer to always be on guard with a light.

Having full gear for hunting day that includes a law enforcement flashlight is the best first step. It’ll be good to get one that’s up to your preference.

Were you planning to buy the best law enforcement flashlight based on your preference? This article helps you determine how to choose the best police flashlight.

Best for Patrol

Streamlight 74751 Strion

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Brightest Pick

Streamlight 75458 Stinger

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Nitrolon Body

SureFire G2X Series

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8 Best Police Flashlights for Law Enforcement

1. Streamlight 75458 Stinger

BRIGHTEST & BEST POLICE FLASHLIGHT

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The Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL Dual Switch Rechargeable Flashlight is a type of tactical flashlight that is handheld. It is also most known for its ultra bright light.

Handheld police flashlights are suitable for self-defense due to their size and durability. They make for really good blunt weapons.

This type of rechargeable flashlight is different from regular tactical flashlights. It’s a great law enforcement flashlight for a number of reasons.

Body

You should know about this police flashlight because its material is made of hard-anodized aluminum with an anti-roll rubber ring. Hard anodized aluminum is a common material used to make law enforcement flashlights.

This tactical flashlight has an ergonomic design so that it won’t slip from your grip.

The lens is also made of polycarbonate material. This type of lens material makes the tactical flashlight scratch-resistant, indestructible, and water-resistant. It has an impact resistance of up to 1 meter and an IPX4 water resistance rating.

Brightness

This brand uses C4 LED technology on its law enforcement flashlights so they’re superior to most LED weapon lights.

Having a lifespan run time of 50000 hours, the LED bulb used by Stinger has maximum beam brightness levels of 640 lumens with a corresponding run time of 1.5 hours.

This makes the weapon lights blinding to the eyes and recommended for tactical usage. It also means a farther beam distance.

Moreover, the deep-dish parabolic reflector provides a concentrated beam light up the surroundings brightly and can reach hundreds of meters ahead (640 lumens can reach a beam distance of 297 meters). 

Because of its Lumen capacity, this is definitely one of the brightest law enforcement flashlights you can purchase online.

Switches and Modes

There are two independent switches for this police flashlight. One is found at the head and the other one at the tail. For the latter, the switch is recessed, which makes the product capable of the tail stand.

A single click activates the on/off function and holding the button cycles to three different operating modes. This setting makes it possible to turn the light off without going through the laborious sequence.

There’s also a strobe mode that you can activate by clicking the button twice in succession. It can be accessed using any mode. The strobe mode will be functional for emergencies and send distress signals.

Battery and Charging

This also comes with a high-quality piggyback charger that is akin to docking stations for phones.

The contact charging point for the police flashlight is found on the opposite side of the switch. There’s an elevated triangle, and you only need to mount it to the charger until it locks in place. Charging takes 12 hours (steady charging).

One more thing is that this also has battery options. The Lithium-ion battery used can either be NiMH or NiCd and is good for up to 1000 recharges.

The options make it become the best duty flashlight for you to pick.

2. Streamlight 74751 Strion LED Lumens

BEST PATROL FLASHLIGHT

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The Streamlight Strion police flashlight brings you a dependable light output that can be an EDC and for tactical use.

It’s also different from regular flash lights because it is a rechargeable flashlight. It also comes with a personalized charger. Rechargeable flashlights save you money in the long run.

Body

The body of Strion is made of anodized aluminum that is durable and lightweight. Hard anodized aluminum is great for heavy-duty use, and you can depend on it to make weapons because of its strength.

It has a knurled safety design for a secure grip so it won’t slip when your palm is sweaty. The anti-roll head makes this police flashlight steady when placed on a flat surface.

One more thing for the exterior is it uses a Borofloat high-temperature glass lens that is both scratch-resistant and sealed so that water won’t get in. Strion has an impact resistance of up to 2 meters and an IPX4 water resistance rating.

Brightness

The high-quality C4 LED technology that is superior to other LED lights is applied to this police flashlight. It is impervious to shock and recoil.

The beam produces smooth and wide due to the deep-dish parabolic reflector. Its beam has a bright light of 500 lumens with a runtime of 1 hour for the highest mode, 250 lumens lasting 2 hours for medium mode, and 125 lumens for 3.5 hours in low mode.

No doubt, aside from being a good tactical flashlight, this is also one of the brightest police flashlights. We recommend it if you’re looking for law enforcement flashlights.

Switches and Modes

The activation switch is found on the tail cap and operates with just one hand clicks. It has constant on and momentary functions; the latter can be accessed by partially depressing the button on the tail cap.

By the way, the switch is not recessed inward, so Strion can’t make the tail stand.

The mode of operation of cycling to three modes is the same as with Streamlight Stinger. The same goes with its strobe setting.

Battery and Charging

Charging the Strion is quick in just 3 hours. A charger is included upon purchase, and you just have to dock the flashlight to charge it. Contact points are located at the head and easily distinguished because of the elevated triangle.

In normal circumstances, Lithium-ion batteries can last up to 1000 recharges. The lithium batteries in this police duty flashlight allow you to use it for longer hours.

With all of the above details, this one is truly the best patrol flashlight for you.

3. SureFire G2X Series Flashlight

TOUGHEST NITROLON BODY

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This flashlight by SureFire Series has qualities that you look for in a tactical flashlight. Not only durable and reliable, but the Defender is also capable of being a defense weapon.

The first thing you will notice is the unique design of the bezel. Called Strike Bezel, it can send blows that are more reinforced due to the aggressive-looking bezel.

Body

This law enforcement flashlight option is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and hard anodized aluminum that’s approved by the Military Specification or Mil-Spec.

The aircraft-grade aluminum by SureFire brings you a tactical flashlight that is tough, impact-resistant, and water-resistant. And aircraft aluminum is just more durable than any other aerospace aluminum in general.

The bezel is protected by the scratch-resistant tempered glass window that maximizes light output distribution. The Defender also has a two-way pocket clip.

​SureFire Defender is useful on many things, but one apparent setback is the pocket clip. It is prone to breaking because the metal used is thin and not the same as the body.

Brightness

The LED produces a beam at a maximum of 500 lumens through the TIR lens for a more concentrated focus with a sharp cut-off. The runtime of the beam with the lens is 2.25 hours, which is pretty good for a beam.

There’s also another mode that only uses 5 lumens and lasts up to 68 hours. Indeed, the maximum brightness levels can search up an area thoroughly and can be blinding to someone else’s vision.

Switches and Modes

The switch is located at the tail cap. The way to use it is to depress the button on the tail cap thoroughly until you hear a click sound for constant on and press for momentary on.

Upon clicking, the light output mode is set to the highest level. To change to low mode, just click it again to off and click it again quickly to select low.

Battery and Charging

The batteries Defender use are two CR123A lithium-ion batteries that have a 10-year shelf life. It’s definitely a tool that law enforcement and police officers can use.

 4. J5 Tactical V1 – PRO 300 Lumens

BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT FLASHLIGHT

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J5 Tactical V1 – PRO 300 is the formal flashlight of Joe Gibbs Racing and the Number 19 ARRIS Toyota Camry cars by Carl Edwards. We think that it’s the best law enforcement flashlight.

Brightness

The J5 flashlight line has an ultra LED light. It can even run long hours a day with the single AA battery only so that you do not need to plug the power all the time. People in law enforcement will definitely appreciate this feature.

Switches and Modes

Additionally, the V1 feature will offer you several functions. You can change the range-zoom for an enormous joist or improve the illumination level.

There’s also an option to scan the light in the length of two football fields at night because there’s a great beam. 

Battery and Charging

It also works with a single battery platform  (AA batteries) and can be adjusted to three-beam usage categories – high, low, and strobe.

It also has momentary on and off buttons in the light’s rear, which has a latch to operate. Please keep in mind that the button could be pushed or locked at any time, so you should be careful when using it.

As a result, the J5 Tactical V1 – PRO 300 is the best police flashlight, which you should take into account the best police flashlight right away. We recommend it for police officers since the officers will have plenty of use for it.

5. Under Control TACTICAL Pen

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Best Under Control TACTICAL Pen has some excellent features such as a LED light, the DNA defender, one belt clip, and a space pen. It means that this is not only a flashlight only, but also it is a vertical defense tool for most of us to carry out.

Body

With 6.5 inches in size, it is a perfect size for every bag and pocket, whether you’re in law enforcement or not. Something that fits in your pocket will always come in handy.

On the one hand, the product is lightweight and comfortable to adjust and use simultaneously. You can buy this tool for your family members and friends to solve dangerous situations without violating regulations.

Switches and Modes

How about controlling the tool? The producer has also released an included video to help you use the Best Under Control TACTICAL Pen and handle it smoothly under the circumstances.

With full of unique features, the Best Under Control TACTICAL Pen is also rated as one of the best police flashlights in the latest market.

6. GearLight High Power LED Flashlight S2000

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GEARLIGHT LED Tactical Flashlight has the T6 LED Chip feature with the 18650 Lithium-ion battery with the 800 lumens wattage to remove the darkness and take away your fear.

Body

Additionally, the flashlight has the front head telescopic to adjust the close distance or longer, depending on your needs and wants. Even if your target keeps far away from you, about 600 feet, the product could solve this problem quite well.

The product increases durability, comfort, and other outside protection since it’s waterproof and skid-proof with its aircraft-grade aluminum material.

As mentioned, it’s good to choose aircraft aluminum when choosing power sources because it’s a durable type of aerospace aluminum.

Battery and Brightness

When used for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, it has a power bank that you can bring. The flashlight is also bright enough since it has a total of 7 LED bulbs.

Hence, we could not be surprised that the GEARLIGHT LED Tactical Flashlight is the best police flashlight to hook it right away.

7. Streamlight 66122 Stylus Pro Pen Light with White LED and Holster

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The Streamlight 8840 ProTac HL has C4 LED technology to usage time to almost 50,000 hours. You can choose from three modes: high platform only, high plus low plus strobe, and the combination between low and high structure.

Brightness

• With the good light output levels, you can get 750 lumens maximum radiance, 18,300 – candela joist potency, and 270m joist interval. Running time is an hour and a half.
• With the low level of the light output, the radiance is 35 lumens, the joist potency is 900 candela, the joist interval is 900 candela, and the running time is longer (18 hours).
• With strobe level, the running time catches 2.5 hours only, with the IPX7 waterproof for 30 minutes.

Battery and Charging

The flashlight could get these levels significantly because the two CR123A batteries are made from lithium. On the flip side, the nylon outside covering increases comfort while handling.

8. Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight

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Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight has the CREE XM-L U2 LED in the bulb to improve sweltering brightness levels and a bigger area for polices and military professionals.

Brightness

Additionally, a great lighting distance of 3000 yards boosts the public eye on the outdoors when hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, etc. 

Body

On the one hand, this flashlight is made from brushed aircraft-grade aluminum material with a waterproof covering to withstand harsh conditions no matter how the weather is.

We always love and recommend anything made from aluminum because it’ll definitely be durable but without being too heavy.

The handle coating is also slip-resistant so that you could hold the grip easily and keep it in place to control the handle while driving.

Switches and Modes

Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight is rated one of the best police flashlights for self-defense. This is since it has full protection modes like High, Medium, Low, Strobe, and SOS modes with the Bright Start Memory Technology.

It also has a remote switch element for hunters.

Benefits of Using a Police Flashlight

Police flashlights, or known mainly as tactical flashlights, are suitable for both every day and hazardous situations. They usually have something called a tactical mode that is very useful.

Other than the main benefit of identifying threats, they also provide brighter light that can temporarily blind or confuse the enemy’s vision. The people would then react instinctively and cover their eyes.

By then, you have the chance of taking advantage of the situation, or you can opt to flee.

A common feature of a police flashlight is the strobe.

A strobe functions when its light blinks rapidly, even without you having to click the button through the set mode. This kind of setting is advantageous as you can disorient the enemy’s attacks. The effect will be the same as illuminating light with high lumen output to people’s eyes.

Tactical flashlights can be used as a defense tool, too. With other names, this article is showing you to choose the best flashlight for law enforcement. They don’t attract attention as much as deadly weapons like knives or guns.

However, they can be good blunt weapons because of the hard and durable material they were made. The durability is definitely an edge.

Those models that have unique designs at the bezel are good for striking motions.

How to Choose the Best Police Flashlight

Even if you don’t belong to the police force or the military, you can acquire the flash lights they use in most stores. To find the best duty flashlight, you need to know what the characteristics you should consider are.

Size

The size of the flashlight is the first thing to consider. Whether you want it as a keychain flashlight or pistol light, anything goes as long as it fits into your palm.

You don’t want a bulky flashlight. The right size which you should get is that it can fit in the pocket of your jeans or jacket.

So the size is essential to consider before you pick the best law enforcement flashlight. If you can carry it in your pocket, then it’s convenient enough.

Bulb Type and Color

All tactical flashlights of today are made of LED. Incandescent bulbs are still available but not for tactical use. The latest LED bulbs of today have a lifespan of about 12-20 years.

Another advantage of LEDs over incandescent bulbs is the ridiculously high light output.

The color of the LED bulb is one of the things you need to decide on as well.

For police flashlights, white light is highly preferred because of its brightness capabilities to disorient the attacker or enemy, unlike when you use yellow light. 

For police duty flashlights, we recommend that you choose a white light that’s bright enough to improve night vision. Brightness is always the main priority.

Light Output and Lumens

Like all other flash lights, the brightness of the light must be primarily considered. But for tactical flashlights, the rule is to choose products that have lumens of more than 100.

Lumens is the measure of brightness intensity and is easily influenced by the type and number of lithium batteries used (e.g., some flashlights use 18650 batteries). 

The distance covered is also influenced by how bright the light is. The higher the lumens, the farther the reach of the light of your tactical flashlight will be.

Beam distance is usually measured in meters. A higher beam distance means that the light output is competent enough since it reaches farther. A low beam distance won’t really do much.

Why is the value of Lumens significant? Suppose you’re using the flashlight for tactical use. In that case, you will have to resort to using it to impair the vision of the opposing party.

Lumens below 100 won’t help identify the threat nor be enough to control the situation. They won’t provide enough beam distance. And again, as mentioned, beam distance is everything.

Remember that the reason why you’re buying a flashlight in the first place is that you need help with darkness or night vision. So make sure that the brightness capacity and beam distance are good.

Illumination Modes

Apart from beam distance, advanced flashlights have different brightness modes that can be switched easily or not, depending on the program. Most of them offer at least three modes, e.g., high, medium, and low.

Note that the higher the brightness, the lower the run time. So it’s recommended not to use the high mode for straight hours.

Tactical flashlights have special functions like a strobe. Accessing the strobe depends on the chronology of clicking in sequence, but sometimes it is a hidden function.

Having a tactical flashlight can be pretty handy because you can send distress signals or confuse the enemy to make your escape.

Material

Since police flashlights are aimed for tactical use, the material must be heavy-duty and durable. As a blunt weapon, your flashlight should be as hard as it could be for better durability.

Hard anodized aluminum is the top choice as it’s lightweight yet very tough. This is why every police duty flashlight is usually made from hard-anodized aluminum.

A toothed bezel is also welcome on a tactical flashlight, so you can make striking motions when engaging the enemy.

Getting a waterproof flashlight is also equally important. Not entirely waterproof, but the light should be able to resist water to function well.

You will need to make your flashlight usable in all conditions. Choose tactical flashlights that have ratings from IPX4 to IPX8.

Additionally, apart from aluminum, stainless steel is also a common material used for a flashlight. The reason for this is because it is also extremely durable.

Keep these things in mind when you start packing for your next hunting trip!

Battery

The battery used the most crucial part of picking the best flashlight for law enforcement. That is because the batteries can affect light output, runtime, and weight of a tactical flashlight for law enforcers.

First, you need to decide on is whether to get disposable batteries or rechargeable ones for your tactical flashlight. The reason for this is because there are many battery types.

AA, AAA, and CR123A are the most common batteries for disposable batteries. However, the latter battery type can be hard to find for a tactical flashlight.

If you need to factor in the availability of the power source and battery, this can be solved by buying bulks of them ahead of time. They’ll help extend the power of your light source.

The CR123A battery also provides brighter light because of higher voltage output compared to other types.

Rechargeable batteries save you money in the long run, such as the Lithium-ion type battery. Most batteries for law enforcers today are actually Lithium-ion types.

If you’re all about convenience, though, then getting AA flashlights should also work well for you.

Conclusion – What is the Best Police Flashlight?

Now you are more than ready to buy your tactical flashlight based on this article on the best flashlight options. We truly hope that this article has helped you in one way or another to suit your preference.

Getting the best police flashlight is one of the best things you can do to improve your chances of defending yourself, whether for law enforcement officers or common citizens.

A police flashlight also comes in handy if you’re planning to use outdoor gear at night. We highly recommend the Streamlight 75458 Stinger as the best one out of everything we’ve listed.

If it’s the best law enforcement flashlight that you’re after, then check out the J5 Tactical V1 – Pro. It’s a useful tactical flashlight that will come in handy for law enforcement officers.

Happy tactical flashlight hunting!