If you are currently a police officer, we probably don’t need to tell you how important it is to have a flashlight for your job.
Knowing how important a police officers flashlight is one thing, finding the best police flashlight in 2024 is another. To help you choose the best law enforcement flashlight you are going to need to look for certain things.
Accessories are one of the most important things to look for when looking for the best flashlights for police. What kind of accessories you are after will honestly depending on how you plan to use your flashlight.
Gun mounts are often considered a necessity on tactical police flashlights, while different lenses and diffusers are a requirement for a regular police duty flashlight. In addition to accessories, police led flashlights need to have several different modes to choose from.
Simply buying the brightest police flashlight on the market is not always the best choice, you want one that allows you to control the brightness levels, as well as switch into strobe mode.
If you just want really powerful check out our buyers guide that goes over super bright flashlights on the market today. Or our best led flashlight article that combines and links out to all of our other buyers guides like a hub.
Short On Time? Here Is The Bullet List
- Best Police Flashlight (Off Duty): Olight Warrior Mini
Olight Code:10%off - Best Police Flashlight (Tactical/Backup): Armytek Partner C2 Pro V3
- Best Police Flashlight (Primary Day Shift): Fenix PD 35 Tac
- Best Police Flashlight (Primary Late Shift): Streamlight Protac HL4
Optics Planet | Amazon - Best Police Flashlight (Reading & Writing): QuiqLite X2
Optics Planet | Amazon - Best Police Flashlight (Vehicle Light): Olight R50 Seeker Pro LE
- Best Police Flashlight (Handgun Light): Surefire X300 Ultra
- Best Police Flashlight (Search & Rescue Long Range): Armytek Barracuda Pro V2
- Best Police Flashlight (Small Batch or Custom): HDS Systems Tactical
**Below are our more detailed reviews. Click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
While accessories and modes are important factors to look at when choosing the best duty flashlight, they are not the only things to consider. Flashlight bodies can be made from either aluminum or polymer, which one works better for law enforcement will depend upon their environment. Aluminum responds to extreme climates. So it can actually become too hot or too cold to handle, whereas polymer is not usually as responsive to the temperatures.
Battery options are something else to consider and thanks to today’s technology, police officers have plenty of options to consider.
One option is disposable CR123A batteries, which are often found in the brightest police flashlights because of how much power they provide.
Standard AA or AAA batteries are other battery options; they are easy to find and not very expensive to replace. The downfall is they are not quite as powerful.
The last option is a rechargeable police flashlight, which uses lithium-ion batteries like the 18650 and can come with a USB connection for on the go charging.
Different Ways To Use The Best Police Flashlights of 2024
One of the things that makes finding the best flashlights for police so difficult is how many different ways they are used by law enforcement.
Many people out there think that a tactical police flashlight would make the best choice for law enforcement officers because it can be used as an everyday flashlight and can also be used for self-defense.
But, the best flashlights for law enforcement are not always going to be a made for combat. One of the most common uses for a police LED flashlight is for reading and writing tickets, as well as looking at driver’s licenses.
A tactical flashlight can easily be used for this task, but are not always the best choice do to their size and weight.
When it comes to using the flashlight as a striking device for self-defense purposes a durable flashlight with a strong bezel is the best choice, as its size and weight make it a great weapon.
The best flashlights for police will probably have a strobe mode to disorient and will be bright enough to blind a criminal at close range. An LED police flashlight is also used for low light shooting, many law enforcement officers will use gun mounts to attach a flashlight to their weapon rather than having to hold the flashlight while holding their gun.
Best Police Flashlight (Off Duty):
Olight Warrior Mini
Olight is doing a great job with their lights right now. This is the kind of light that people dreamed of just a couple of years ago. This light is running off of a 18650 battery but at 4.19 inches long is less than half of an inch longer than our previous favorite backup light. The big difference is that that light was using a 16340 battery which has almost half the capacity of the 18650.
This light is almost designed for this job. Small, super bright (1500 lumens), easily rechargeable, moonlight mode, and a great tail switch to go straight to super bright with momentary on.
This light gives you options since you can use the side switch for times when you are not in a hurry or need low levels of light (6 brightness modes). But, if you need to use it in a tactical situation you have the tail switch that only does turbo and strobe.
This is the light right now that is best for most people. Easy to use, high quality manufacturer, and small. The only thing that would move us off of using this light is if you want to play around with recharging batteries on your own outside of the flashlight.
Pros:
- Lockout mode
- Rechargeable
- Dual switches
Cons:
- Need to be careful with the magnetic charging end
Specs:
- Weight: 5.4 oz. w/ battery
- Dimensions: 4.19 inches long and 0.91-inch diameter
- Charger: Proprietary Magnetic Connector
- Lowest Setting: 1 lumen for 45 days
- Highest Setting: 1500 lumens for 4 minutes
Best Police Flashlight (Tactical/Backup):
Armytek Partner C2 Pro V3
The Armytek Partner C2 Pro V3 utilizes a CREE XHP35 LED paired with TIR-Optics. The powerful LED allows the Armytek Partner C2 Pro V3 to emit a maximum of 1250 lumens with a maximum beam distance of 570 feet. The TIR-Optics enables the LED to provide a smooth beam, no sharp edges will be found. The smooth beam prevents tunnel vision from taking effect even after continuous use. Coming in at 4.6 inches long and a 1-inch diameter the compact size makes it a great choice for constant carrying.
The Armytek Partner C2 Pro V3 features an easy to use switch for comfortable one-handed operation. The light is also compatible with weapon mounts and remote switches. The Armytek Partner C2 Pro V3 can be powered by a single 18650 Li-ion battery, two 18350 Li-ion batteries, two R123 Li-ion batteries, or two CR123A batteries. The light provides 6 modes to choose from five brightness levels and strobe. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a premium type III hard anodized finish the Armytek Partner C2 Pro V3 is made according to USA military standards and can withstand impacts up to 10 feet.
Pros:
- No timed step downs
- Lens and optics are well protected
- Low standby drain
Cons:
- Gets hot quickly
Specs:
- Weight: 2.19 oz without battery
- Dimensions: 4.6 inches long and 1-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 2.5 lumens for 40 days
- Highest Setting: 1953 lumens for 1 hour
Best Police Flashlight (Primary Day Shift):
Fenix PD 35 Tac
The Fenix PD 35 Tac features a CREE XP-L (V5) LED to emit a maximum of 1000 lumens with a maximum beam distance of 656 feet. The Fenix PD 35 Tac offers the same compact and lightweight design as the original Fenix PD 35 but exceeds the original in performance and design. Made from a durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a premium type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finish the Fenix PF 35 Tac offers impact resistance up to 3.2 feet.
Powered by a single 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two CR123 Lithium batteries the Fenix PD 35 Tac features a low-voltage warning to alert you when the battery needs replacing. Using dual switches the Fenix PD 35 Tac offers two modes of operation: Tactical and outdoor modes. Tactical mode turns off the stainless steel side switch and uses a tail switch to cycle through Turbo, low, and strobe modes. Outdoor mode uses the side switch to cycle through five brightness modes and strobe. The tail switch in Outdoor mode turns the light on or off and provides access to the momentary-on feature. Intelligent memory function is only available in Outdoor mode.
Pros:
- Two operating modes
- Momentary-on
- One-handed operation
Cons:
- Side switch has slight delay
Specs:
- Weight: 3.0 oz. without battery
- Dimensions: 5.5 inches long and 1-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 8 lumens for 140 hours
- Highest Setting: 1000 lumens for 1 hour and 10 minutes
Best Police Flashlight (Primary Late Shift):
Streamlight Protac HL4
The Streamlight Protac HL4 uses C4 LEDs to emit a maximum of 2,200 lumens. The Streamlight Protac HL4 offers a wide beam pattern giving it the ability to illuminate entire areas. Engineered optics provide a concentrated beam for better peripheral illumination than similar lights. Made from anodized aluminum the Streamlight Protac HL4 comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating and has been impact-resistance tested up to 3.2 feet.
Offering a self-adjusting battery cradle the Streamlight Protac HL4 eliminates battery rattle and can operate on different battery sizes. This light can operate on four 3-volt CR123A batteries or two 3.7-volt 18650 batteries. Using Streamlight’s TEN-TAP programmable switch located on the tail cap users have the ability to select one of three operating modes. Operating Modes are as follows: 1. high/strobe/low 2. High only 3. Low/medium/high.
Pros:
- TEN-TAP Programming
- No battery rattle
- Concentrated beam
Cons:
- Occasional flicker on low
Specs:
- Weight: 17 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 8.63 inches long and 2.35-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 60 lumens for 43 hours
- Highest Setting: 2,200 lumens for 1 hour and 45 minutes
Best Police Flashlight (Reading & Writing):
Quiqlite X2 Rechargeable
The QuiqLite X2 is a step up form the QuiqLite X since it is made of aircraft aluminum. This makes it a little heavier but way more durable. At only 3.13 inches long and with a diameter of 0.94 inches this light will easily fit into most shirt pockets. This light also got a lumen boost from the QuiqLite X with the QuiqLite X2 emitting anywhere from 20 to 200 lumens. When first activated the light come on in red and with a second button push within two seconds the white light will come on producing 20 lumens as to not destroy your night vision, but if you need more light the X2 can go to 100 or 200 lumens of white light.
The QuiqLite X2 features dual LEDs that are independently activated. The Red/White configuration is perfect for concealing your current location while maintaining your night vision. The white only configuration is for normal reading when the light output is of no concern, while the red LED is ideal for up close work at night. The light features four distinct modes: red LED mode, white LED mode, Power Boost white LED, and safety strobe mode. This light comes equipped with an anti-glare visor and a 20-minute auto shut off feature. The removable magnetic clip rotates a full 360 degrees, while the adjustable arm light is adjustable up to 160 degrees, but is always aimed down to keep the light away from your face.
Pros:
- Independent LEDs
- Anti-glare visor for reading
- Starts out low
Cons:
- Bulky when stored in pocket
Specs:
- Weight: 1.76 oz. with batteries, without clip
- Dimensions: 3.13 inches long and 0.94-inch diameter
- Lowest Output: 20 lumens
- Highest Output: 200 lumens
Best Police Flashlight (Vehicle Light):
Olight R50 Seeker Pro LE
The Olight R50 Seeker Pro LE version is an upgraded version of the original Olight R50 that was designed especially for law enforcement. Belonging to the Olight R Series the light is a heavy duty rechargeable light that uses a magnetic USB recharge base to recharge the customized 26650 batteries found inside the light. Even though the light is on the soda can, it is the most compact 26650 battery light in the industry.
The large industrial silicone side switch fully operates the light and comes with a built-in red low battery indicator. Side switch also acts as a lockout indicator; it will glow red when the switch is being hit if the light is powered off. Above the side switch, the Olight R50 Seeker Pro features a chamfered design for easy and comfortable operation. Using a CREE XHP70 cool white LED the Olight R50 Seeker Pro can emit up to 3,200 lumens. An orange peel reflector and a slightly concaved lens create a balanced beam that can reach up to 820 feet.
Pros:
- Multiple charging options
- Low battery indicator
- Magnetic tail cap
Cons:
- No lanyard hole
Specs:
- Weight: 9.24 oz. with battery
- Dimensions: 5.03 inches long and 1.65-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 60 lumens for 50 hours
- Highest Setting: 3200 lumens for 2 hours and 30 minutes
Best Police Flashlight (Handgun Light):
Surefire X300 Ultra
The SureFire X300 Ultra powers a high performance LED with two high-energy CR123A batteries. These two batteries will emit up to 600 lumens of light for a period of an hour and a half. The X300 Ultra features a newer mounting system that uses a T-slot mounting system with a T-slot mounting rail and tightening screw. This system allows users to mount the X300 Ultra to both long guns and handguns quickly and securely. Both Picatinny and Universal crossbar wedges come with the pistol flashlight to make securing the light pretty much foolproof.
The Surefire X300 is like many other Surefire lights, it is quite powerful and pretty much indestructible. The light itself is made of high-strength aerospace aluminum with Mil-Spec anodizing and is O-ring and gasket sealed to make it weatherproof. The X300 Ultra LED utilizes an improved ambidextrous switch. The improved switch is wider and shorter than what you have seen on other SureFire models. Located towards the rear of the light the switch allows for one-handed operation. Remote activation for handguns and long guns is also available with the SureFire X300 Ultra.
Pros:
- Long guns and handguns
- Ambidextrous switch
- Remote activation
Cons:
- Tricky to use momentary on feature
Specs:
- Weight: 4 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 3.6 inches long and 1.125-inch diameter
- Output: 600 lumens for 1.5 hours
Best Police Flashlight (Search & Rescue Long Range):
Armytek Barracuda Pro V2
The Armytek Barracuda Pro V2 is an improved version of the original Armytek Barracuda. Both models make great searchlights, but the Armytek Barracuda Pro V2 was designed with law enforcement in mind. Using a high-intensity CREE XHP35 LED the Armytek Barracuda Pro V2 emits an extremely bright and stable cool white light. Made from aircraft grade aluminum with a premium type III hard anodizing finish the Armytek has the highest waterproof and dustproof rating at IP68. The Armytek Barracuda Pro V2 can operate in temperatures as low as negative 25 degrees and as hot as 104 degrees Fahrenheit without any change in performance.
Powered by four CR123A batteries, the Armytek Barracuda Pro V2 can emit a maximum of 15000 lumens with a maximum beam distance of 2,624 feet. The smooth reflector provides a smooth beam with a peak beam intensity of 150000 candelas with a 40-degree spill. Controlled by a forward tail cap switch the Armytek Barracuda offers 9 output levels including two strobe modes. Auto-memorization of the last mode used allows users’ quick access to their preferred setting.
Pros:
- Well focused beam
- Memory function
- Durable and reliable
Cons:
- UI could be improved
Specs:
- Weight: 9.14 oz without battery
- Dimensions: 9.65 inches long and 2.52-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 0.15 lumen for 500 days
- Highest Setting: 1500 lumens for 1 hour
Best Police Flashlight (Small Batch or Custom):
HDS Systems Tactical
The HDS Systems Tactical light uses a very bright XP-G2 LED to produce an almost pure white beam. Powered by a single CR123 battery or two ordinary AA batteries in a pinch, the HDS Systems light has the ability to emit a maximum of 250 lumens. Using a simple push button for power the HDS Systems Tactical is considered one of the most advanced lights on the market with its rotary control. The rotary control provides you with three modes: Momentary Maximum, momentary strobe, and utilitarian.
This HDS flashlight offers 24 internal brightness levels along with three specialty levels. The three specialty levels are Combat Strobe, Emergency Strobe, and SOS. These three specialty modes run at the 3 highest brightness levels. In utilitarian mode, the HDS Systems light offers adjustable brightness. Users can select from 0.2 lumens up to 250 lumens via the rotary control. Brightness levels can be customized through the Brightness Menu. As the battery drains the flashlight will drop down one level at a time. Once the battery can no longer power 50 lumens the light will blink twice every two minutes to alert you the battery needs to be changed.
Pros:
- Programmable
- Lifetime warranty
- Calibrated so there are no light discrepancies
Cons:
- No battery options
Specs:
- Weight: 3.6 oz. with battery
- Dimensions: 3.9 inches long and 1-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 0.2 lumens
- Highest Setting: 250 lumens for 2 hours
Final Thoughts On The Best Flashlight For Police
As you might have guessed law enforcement has several choices when it comes to the best flashlight for police to use. What style of duty light you choose is really going to depend on what you plan to use it for.
Some police duty flashlights are better suited for up close illumination, while others can be mounted on guns or turned into clubs. When trying to decide on the best police flashlight take into consideration what you plan on using it for, as well as what kinds of modes it comes with. Some flashlights only come with an ultra high mode, which is great for blinding suspects, but not the best choice for reading and writing tickets.
The more modes your flashlight comes with the better, but if it comes with more than one mode make sure at least one of the modes being offered is strobe, you never know when you will need it.
No matter what you feel, the best flashlight for law enforcement is we want to take the time to thank you for reading our “Best Police Flashlight ” article.
All of the police flashlight reviews that we provided you with were meant to inform you about the best flashlights for law enforcement based on how the light was to be used, not what the overall best law enforcement flashlight is.
In addition to the police flashlight reviews, we have also included a handy Flashlight Comparison Guide and many other best flashlight articles, to help you choose the best law enforcement flashlight for you. Using the guide, you can easily sort through the flashlights using certain specifications, such as lumens, battery life, battery type, etc.
For those of you that are relatively new to the flashlight world and need help understanding some of the vocabulary used in this article, please head on over to our homepage with our flashlights 101 guide. Here you will find some great definitions. And, as always if you like any one of the lights, please follow one of our links to Amazon where you will find these best police flashlights for sale.