Police Props 101

The props department is often called upon to provide props to actors playing police officers for different cities and time periods. It may be prudent to bring in a technical advisor for certain things. As a rule of thumb, if it's to teach an actor how to act, it's the ADs who \*should?\* be hiring the TA, wharads if it's to teach an actor how to interact with a prop (ie fingerprinting) it would be up to the props department. When dealing with law enforcement props, here are some things to consider

### Clearances

A show's legal department will inform the props master and art department of what clearances issues there are. A props department's main concern for clearance is the badge and badge number, but many shows also require police names to be cleared (as seen on nametags). Sometimes a show will duplicate exactly what is on a badge (and for costumes, the patches), sometimes it needs to be totally unique, and sometimes it just needs to be a little different. Why it's different for every show is a good question, but it keeps lawyers employed.

### Badges and Nametags

As a prop master, make sure badges and badge numbers are cleared (see above). Badges can be made or rented. If they are being made at a professional badge manufacturer like Smith and Warren, expect them to take multiple weeks to make. Some build shops are able to 3D print and then cast badges. Another route is buying stock badges and putting printed vinyl over the writing.

Check your research for proper badge placement, but many uniform shirts and jackets will have the holes for badges in place already. If your show is new, ask the costumes department to make sure those holes are opened before the shirt is placed on an actor. Forcing a pin through a virgin shirt while an actor is wearing it is nerve-wracking. Some agencies are issued multiple badges so that they can have one on their jacket and their shirts. It's generally not swapped back and forth and always worn on the outside. If possible, it's often best to have patches on jackets instead of badges as it looks better and reduces the need for another badge. For a plane clothed officer, their badge is often worn next to their gun. Some may wear it around their necks on a chain (I'm told this is more of an East coast thing).

Don't forget about hat badges. The hat is the responsibility of costumes and the badge comes from props (generally). Not all hats have the same hole placement, so make sure costumes knows what kind of hat badges you have (1 or 2 pin).

Nametags generally go on the opposite side of the badge (right side). They can be placed above the pocket or sometimes on a pocket flap. The naming protocol will vary from department to department but remember that usually police names need to be cleared. In a pinch, a bit of gold or silver vinyl will cover a nametag, and a label maker on clear can create you a name. These usually have pins, so if you are doing stunts, consider using magnetic attaching ones.

### Belts

Generally, there are two types of police belt: Cordura (Nylon), Leather (often Basketweave). There are also special belts for dress uniforms and belt alternatives for SWAT. It's rare, but some agencies allow for mixing leather and nylon accessories, but it would look strange on screen without justification.

Nylon belts are generally the easiest to adjust for size, although like leather belts they still come in different sizes and are still easiest to size when they are well worn-in. Nylon belts are often worn over what's known as an inner belt. Sometimes it's a standard belt, especially with background, but if you have a reoccurring police officer, the costumes department should provide the actor with a proper inner belt which has a soft velcro on the outside. This allows the outer prop belt to stay in place a lot better.

Leather belts can be smooth or basket weave. Basket weave belts are usually made of leather, although there are some companies making fabric and plastic versions of belts and accessories that may have some advantages. Leather belts have metal buckles which can be a little confusing at first. The clips on the end of the belt hook into the bar in the centre of the buckle. The buckle end of the belt is fed up and over that bar, with the teeth of the buckle going through the sizing holes. Not the best filmed video, but this concisely shows how to use the buckle: VIEW HERE.

Dress belts are almost always leather. Generally they are shiny and new looking, which can make them a challenge to rent. These belts will have less accessories on them, but often still have a gun holster. Consult your reference material.

Some police and some special operations have drop-down rigs that attach to their belt and go down the thigh. These can hold pistols or tasers. These should be worn as high as possible to prevent flopping around when running.

### Belt Equipment

In real life, each person will set their belt up in a way that works best for them, however there are certain rules that are usually followed. A taser is never on the same side as a pistol so as to avoid grabbing the wrong weapon. Spare magazines and cuffs are positioned so that they can be grabbed easily with the non-dominant hand while a pistol is wielded. Items on the back tend to be smaller, like cuffs and glove pouches so as to make sitting in a vehicle easier. If you rent multiple duty belts, unless there's a reason to switch things up specifically, best to have them all set up the same way so that they can be swapped out as needed without affecting continuity.

#### Handcuffs

There are generally two types of handcuffs, ridged (hinged) and chain. Chain cuffs are more common and will be more comfortable if an actor needs to wear them. For added comfort, longer than normal chains can be used too. Ridged cuffs are somewhat easier for an actor to put on someone, but barely. They may make less noise without the chain, but a chain can be silenced. There are oversized handcuffs available, and surprisingly a lot of people need them, so it's always a good idea to have some on standby especially if you haven't tried them on the actor before hand. In film we primarily used rigged handcuffs. These have had the teeth of the inner ratchet mechanism ground down to the point where they will close, but can be opened without a key. Rigging a pair of handcuffs takes patience, as it's a really fine line between still holding and being too loose. The outer ratchet teeth are easier to grind down, but this can be seen on camera. Sometimes it is necessary to use a real, non-rigged pair of cuffs. If there is a lot of action in a scene, a rigged pair may not stay on (they can sometimes be snot taped). In this case, make sure there are extra keys and your actor is comfortable and knows who has a key. Before locking an actor, try the key and inspect the cuffs and key hole for any debris that could cause issues. Generally all cuffs use a universal key, but I've seen some cuff keys out there that work better on their brand only, so double check.

Handcuffs are made be be able to be able to open if there's no wrist in them, then tighten down, but if you do not want a pair of cuffs to open or tighten, they can be double locked. This is usually done when a pair of cuffs is put on a suspect so that they don't tighten to the point of extreme discomfort and has the advantage of making them less easy to be opened by shimming. For props, it's a good idea to double lock any real (non-rigged) handcuffs so that someone can't be an idiot with them, and you'll know you have a key for them to be used. Each brand of handcuffs will have a different way of double locking. The two most common are with a small lever inside of a slot that's moved with the pin end of the key, and a small button on the cuff that's pushed with the same pin end of a cuff key. To disengage the double lock, turn your key to counter clockwise until there's a click.

In real life, most police carry two sets of cuffs so that they can cuff larger or multiple people.

#### Pistol Holster

Some police forces have issued pistols and holsters, while some allow for officers to have some choice. In the real world, gun retention is important as someone won't want their gun to fall out while running or in a scuffle. There can be clips or a specific movement needed to remove a pistol from its holster. In film, we will sometimes need an actor to be able to pull their sidearm out easier than may be realistic. Sometimes it may be necessary to have a holster for retention, and swap out a holster for drawing. Consider that holsters are designed for specific guns and that your actor may not be right handed. It's rare for police belts, but on occasion there are also cross-draw holster where a gun will be drawn with the dominant hand from the other side. Shoulder holsters may be used for detectives and under cover police. These are often only played when the camera sees them, and they disappear when under a jacket. Shoulder holsters that are more upright are harder to draw from but will hide under a coat better. Ones that are more horizonal are easier to draw, but will look bulkier and keep a gun pointed in an uncontrolled direction to the back.

#### Taser

Tasers are becoming more common as standard equipment with many police forces. They are always holstered on the opposite side of the primary lethal weapon. In Canada they are prohibited weapons and real ones can only be used with an armourer present, however there are rubbers and non-functional models that can be rented. If a shot requires someone to be shot with a Taser it needs to be either CG or shot creatively. The two Taser prongs that are fired have pointy barbs designed to stick into skin and sometimes do not hit their target accurately. We've often shot from one angle of someone firing, (into a furny pad with camera operators behind Lexan) then cut to a shot where makeup has glued the prongs to the skin, or we've stuck them to clothing with magnets. As a side note, Taser is a brand name and is not synonymous with stun gun, despite writers seemingly calling any kind of electrical weapon a Taser.

#### OC Spray

Commonly called OC Spray, Pepper Spray or Mace (a brand name) Oleoresin Capsicum Spray is a common item on a duty belt. Luckily we don't have to get the real thing and empty the cans as training versions are available. Even when using training sprays, best practice is to empty them before putting the cans onto a belt. Accidents can happen and background performers can be idiots. If you need to show someone getting shot with it, consult with your effects and costumes department, as the training spray is more than just water and may not be preferable to use.

#### Flashlight

Luckily the large Maglites of the past have been replaced by smaller, brighter flashlights (although you may still need to play these for a period piece or creative preference). A light it often personal preference of the officer, but Streamlight and Surefire flashlights are commonly used. If it's to be used on camera check with the DP. For more information on flashlights, check Flashlights 101. Many police officers are now making weapon-mounted lights standard carry. We generally don't see that too often in props unless for special forces or requested by the creatives.

#### **Magazines**

Spare magazines are always carried and accessed with the non dominant hand to make reloading easier. Many people carry them on the front of their belts. Best practice is to use rubber magazines as stuffers, although you may chose to use real ones. Normally they will be covered so there is no need to use dummy rounds if they are staying in the belt. For period shows, or sometimes preference, when a revolver is used speed loaders are carried instead of magazines.

#### Gloves

You may see two types of glove pouches on duty belts, leather gloves and rubber gloves. Probably don't need a written article to explain why police officers would want to wear gloves. I'll generally use black nitrile gloves for police, reserving blue for forensics or medical staff and avoiding latex for potential allergies. Leather or tactical gloves should be provided by the costumes department if worn.

#### Keys

Police carry multiple keys including cuff keys. They are often in something called a key keeper to prevent them from shaking and jingling around too much. For the sake of the sound department, keys are often taped or snotted together to avoid the sound.

#### Radio

Portable radios were introduced in the 1960's. Generally police radios are worn on the back with the cord going under their arm to the hand mic which is clipped to the uniform's epaulet. Some officers prefer an earpiece, and sometimes it's a combination of both where the earpiece is plugged into the hand mic. It does come down to personal preference whether mic cords go up the back and over, or under the arm and up the front, so see what looks the best or is more accurate to your reference photos.

#### **Batons**

Depending on the city, police may carry expanding or ridged batons or no batons at all. Your research or prop master will indicate what you are using. Expanding batons have two issues: sound and stupidity. The way expanding batons are made allows for metal to shake around and can cause problems for the sound department. Expanding batons are fun to flip open and may be tempting to play with by cast. Using rubber batons will solve both of these problems. If you open an expanding baton, they are difficult to close. A firm strike with the tip on the ground is the best way to close.

#### Other Equipment and Props

Other equipment may be carried in pockets or on a belt. Multi tools and pocket knives. Cell phone(s). First aid pouches/trauma gear like tourniquets. Secondary flashlights. Officers will always carry at least one pen and almost always wear a watch. Many police will chose not to wear their wedding ring and may opt for a black silicone band. Many police officers carry a backup weapon. This is often a compact pistol in an ankle holster, holstered inside on the leg opposite their dominant hand. Many police are now using body cams. Check with the show runner or writers about body cameras, as having or not having them could impact the story down the line. Don't forget a pen in the pocket!

### Uniform Insignia and Accessories

Various pins and insignia can be used to display rank, awards, units and sometimes even personal flare/awareness (such as blue lives matters pins). Rank is often a collaboration between costumes and props. A sergeant in many jurisdictions, for example, would have gold or silver triple chevron collar pin and their costume, especially a dress uniform, may indicate the rank. Check your research! Coordination with the costumes department is vital! Often the costumes department provides tie bars, this is sometimes easier when handed to props who can put it on at the same time as the rest of the uniform items.

### Vests

Almost all jurisdictions of police wear some form of ballistic vest. Some wear them under their uniforms and some are outside. If it's under a uniform it will almost never be seen on camera unless there's a scene that requires it. External vests will be filled with foam that's as thin as one can get away with. If there is a Velcro name patch or badge on the outside of a vest, this is usually the domain of the props department, but check with costumes. Depending on the uniform, gear may be carried on the vest, this is true for special teams like SWAT.

### Forensics

Considering how many movie and television plots revolve around crime scene evidence, it's unusual to show this process with total accuracy. Your best bet is to hire a technical advisor. The normal order of a crime scene investigation known as the The Seven S'S of Crime-Scene Investigation and is as follows:

1. Securing the Scene.
2. Separating the Witnesses.
3. Scanning the Scene.
4. Seeing the Scene.
5. Sketching the Scene.
6. Searching for Evidence.
7. Securing and Collecting Evidence.

In a nutshell, the scene is secured and anyone who enters the scene is logged in and must wear protective equipment to avoid contaminating a crime scene. An initial look is done and potential evidence is observed but not touched. A safe path is determined for people to walk through without disturbing evidence. Then, before anything is handled, the scene is photographed. Of course, in practice, our Hero will probably walk up, put a piece of evidence in a ziplock bag with the tip of their pen, but it helps us to know what the rules are, inform people, then let the director break the rules. The online book, Introduction to Criminal Investigation: Processes, Practices and Thinking is a great online resource that outlines things pretty well, check out chapter 8 for crime scenes..

#### Evidence Markers and Crime Scene Photography

I'm unsure if there's an official way to place evidence markers at a crime scene, but generally they would begin at the centre of the scene (a body for example) and move outwards from there. Markers should all be unique and not reused. Markers apply to each piece of evidence, not a group. A number of bullet holes in a wall for example would each have a number assigned to them. When taking photos, the photos should be at right angles and each piece of evidence should be photographed twice, once with and once without markers.

#### Forensics Props

* PPE including gloves and booties or shoe covers (coordinate with Costumes)
* Alternative Light Sources (different coloured lights, including UV)
* Evidence bags and boxes
* Measuring tapes
* Forensics scales
* Evidence number markers, including flags
* DSLR camera
* Clipboards
* DNA Swabs
* Test kits
* Sprays (Luminol etc)
* Cases and kits
* Fingerprinting kits

### SWAT

SWAT is short for Special Weapons and Tactics and is the commonly known term for a police department's specialized tactics team. The gear that these teams are outfitted with will vary depending on mission and location, but here are some of the common props we deal with.

#### Tactical Vests

Known as ballistics vests, load baring vests, SWAT vests, or plate carriers, these vests come in different formats but are designed to do one or two things: carry gear and carry armour (bullet proof panels). Generally these will have MOLLE webbing, which is a military attachment system. Familiarize yourself with how to attach gear properly to MOLLE and make the call if it's okay to take shortcuts or not. In Real life, what's on a vest will be situational and based on operator preference. Some vests have zippers up the front-- these are not plate carriers but may be known as load baring vests or tactical vests. Some vests have quick release systems to allow them to be removed quickly to perform first air. These can be cables that run through the vests, so don't remove these or your vest may fall apart! Vests are often adjustable but still come in different sizes, so a fitting or multiple fittings with cast ahead of time is very important. Quality will vary greatly with vests as there are primarily two streams of vest made-- those for airsoft and costuming, and those for actual tactical wear. While the cheaper vests may look the same on camera and be great a lot of the time, remember that they are less likely to hold up to repeated wear or being anywhere near a stunt person. Straps break off and zippers fair or rip out commonly on cheaper vests, but they still may make more sense than outfitting a large group with vests that cost $300-$1300.

#### Helmets

SWAT helmets are typically made of bulletproof composite materials, such as Kevlar or Spectra. These materials provide protection against bullets, other projectiles, as well as resistance to blunt force impacts. Some helmets may have built in visors to protect the eyes. Many helmets, sometimes known as FAST helmets have rails for attaching items light lights. Some helmets will have a NVG attachment at the front. There are many styles of helmets available for prop use but the best are the ones that have ratcheting adjustments so that they can quickly adjust to different head sizes-- even then you will need a selection of sizes available to you. Some airsoft or costume helmets are designed to be better replicas while some have foam on the inside like a bike helmet. Depending on how they will be seen, the foam ones may not provide the right amount of realism. Having some antibacterial spray available at the end of the day is great for gross sweaty helmets. If they will be used again the next day, remember to label them on the inside but be careful that sweat and heat can damage ink and adhesive.

#### Gloves

Often but not always provided by the costumes department so double check. Different gloves are used for different situations but generally they will be black and not too bulky that fingers can't fit in trigger guards.

#### Goggles

Goggles may be worn on the helmet or over the eyes. Helmets often have a tab in the back of them to hold goggle straps.

#### Weapons

SWAT teams will carry primary and secondary weapons. The primary being a rifle such as an MP-5 or M4 and the secondary being a pistol. Primaries are generally slung so that when released, they fall clear of the shooter's secondary. Pistols may be holstered on belts, on vests or on drop-downs. If there is a person who is a breacher, they may carry a shotgun, and depending on the circumstances, less than lethal weapons may be deployed as well.

#### Ballistic Shield

A ballistic shield, also called a **bulletproof shield**, is a protection device designed to stop or deflect bullets and other projectiles fired at their carrier. Ballistic shields also protect from less serious threats such as thrown items. Ballistic shields are similar to riot shields, but offer greater protection and are typically used by special units or in situations where riot shields would not offer adequate protection. These can sometimes have lights mounted on them and the person holding would have their pistol drawn.

#### Handcuffs and Zip Cuffs

You may see SWAT officers carrying zip cuffs. They tuck well into MOLLE webbing and offer a light weight alternative to temporarily restrain an individual. Standard handcuffs will also be carried either on a belt or attached to a vest.

#### Extra Magazines

Extra magazines for both primary (rifle) and secondary (pistol) weapons will be carried. Remember if the vests you're getting have pouches for these magazines, you will need to fill them with something!

#### Radios

Honestly radios get in the way when you're dealing with tactical vests. I will generally give someone an ear piece and run it inside their vest to an imaginary radio. Use your judgment if you need to see radios or not.

#### Glow Sticks / Chem Lights

Often carried by SWAT or Military these can have a variety of real world uses. Aside from raving and providing light, ( and some provide infrared light for use with NVGs) these can be used to mark cleared rooms, danger, ends of rope, or even people. They make for good props because they are inexpensive and fill space in MOLLE webbing easily.

#### Trauma Kits / IFAK

Many police, military and special operations carry IFAKs which stand for Individual First Aid Kit. In a police environment these are designed for immediate battlefield treatment, not to bandage booboos. Contents may include trauma shears (good for cutting webbing), turnequets, gloves, chest seals, hemostatic agents like QuikClot, and a compression bandage like an Israeli bandage. Small pouches with trauma shears and tourniquets are readily available and inexpensive and can also serve real world injuries, so they are great to put on vests and belts. Avoid the red cross symbol for the first air pouch as it is copywritten by the Red Cross.

#### Entry and Breaching Equipment

There are a number of entry tools available to law enforcement. The most commonly seen on film would be a battering ram. Also used are bolt cutters, hallagan bars, mauls and breaching shotguns. Discuss the needs with the director and the stunt coordinator to see what is needed.

#### Night Vision Goggles

Often abbreviated as NVG. These are commonly used in film and TV. They can clip to helmets or be hand held. Fake NVGs are generally used, but remember that the actors still need to be able to see. Directors and DPs like to make it even more difficult for an actor to see by often adding a fake green light to shine from the NVGs onto the actor's eyes. When putting on a helmet a counterweight is often added on the back of the helmet to keep balance.

### Police Cars

While the police car is the jurisdiction of transport's picture car department, the props department will still need to be involved. Props used to handle things like some police lights and antennas, but this is often the job of picture cars now, but still best to double check. Props will often need to provide a laptop (usually a Toughbook) for the police car. This may come with the car, but it usually does not. Playback may need to be involved too if the screen is going to be seen. Many of the mounts for these computers only fit certain models and require a key to put the computer in and out. Police radios are usually already in a car, but best to double check that the car will have a hand mic if one is needed. While you're at it, double check any other actor interaction that may be required, like activating lights and sirens or opening a trunk-- it should be the responsibility of picture cars but this can be overlooked. Police cars may have shotgun mounts as well. If this is the case, you may want to consider getting a deactivated shotgun that is not classified as a firearm and cannot ever fire. This will give you a bit of peace of mind if the car needs to be driven around out of your direct control and supervision. Licence plates are also a props person's responsibility, and many states in the US have different plates for police vehicles. Dash cams may also be the responsibility of the props department, especially if it's a story point. Check with the above the lines about this as it could become a story point at some point. This goes for all cars, but don't forget about the keys and keychain!