Free Police Equipment And Tactical Gear Resources For Law Enforcement And First Responders

Obtaining police equipment or tactical gear at no cost or with significant discounts can be a valuable asset for law enforcement agencies, first responders, and related organizations. Whether seeking used gear for training, budget-friendly safety equipment, or promotional materials from industry leaders, there are several legitimate pathways to explore. The following information is compiled from verified sources and outlines the most reliable methods for accessing free police equipment and related benefits.

Free Police Equipment and Tactical Gear

Several organizations and initiatives exist to provide law enforcement with necessary gear, especially for emerging or under-resourced agencies. One of these is the Law Enforcement Equipment Program (LEEP for America), founded by Steve Newton, a Navy veteran and retired chief of police. LEEP is dedicated to collecting and redistributing used police equipment to agencies that may not have the budget to purchase new gear. Items such as batons, helmets, body armor, cuffs, vests, and even weapons are available to qualifying recipients. To determine eligibility, interested parties can contact Trish Benefield at [email protected].

Another resource is MachineGun.com, which offers free firearms and tactical gear to eligible law enforcement agencies through its Guarantees Every Agency Results (G.E.A.R.) program. This initiative allows agencies to receive equipment at no cost, provided they meet the program’s criteria. Interested agencies can reach out to MachineGun.com by calling 941-741-8282, sending a fax to 941-741-8979, or visiting their website directly.

Additionally, Galls, a leading supplier of public safety equipment and apparel, offers a free catalog to residents of the United States and Canada. This catalog includes a variety of gear and uniforms for law enforcement and related professionals. While the catalog itself is free, the actual gear is available for purchase. Delivery of the catalog may take between 3 to 6 weeks, so interested individuals should plan accordingly.

Discount and Benefit Programs for First Responders

Beyond direct access to free equipment, numerous companies and organizations offer discounts and benefits specifically for first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. These programs can significantly reduce the cost of necessary equipment, technology, and even personal items.

Electronics and Technology

• Samsung offers the First Responders Offers program, which provides discounts on mobile phones, wearables, home entertainment, and home appliances.
• LG runs the Community Heroes discount, which includes a best-price guarantee, free installation on major appliances, and free shipping.
• Apple provides special pricing for government employees, including law enforcement, on select personal electronic devices.
• GoPro offers a 15% discount on full-price products to first responders, making it easier to capture training and incident footage.
• HP offers the Frontline Heroes Stores, where first responders receive discounts of up to 40%, along with free shipping and easy returns.

Mobile Phone Services

• AT&T offers discounted unlimited plans to first responders, with reduced pricing on data and voice services.
• T-Mobile provides a 40% discount on family lines with its Go5G unlimited plan, including 5G access.
• Verizon offers the Mobile myPlan, with up to 4 lines of unlimited service at a discounted rate for law enforcement and other first responders.

Apparel and Footwear

• RTIC Outdoors offers a 10% discount on hard coolers, soft coolers, bags, and apparel to first responders.
• Solo Stove provides a Hero Discount code that can be applied during checkout, with the option to contact customer service for retroactive application.
• Backcountry.com offers a 20% discount on full-price items to law enforcement and first responders.
• Pelican provides a 15% discount on its durable cases, coolers, and lights for first responders.

Education and Training

• Liberty University offers a 25% tuition discount to all first responders, along with a free evaluation of training and life experience for college credit. This can be particularly useful for officers seeking to further their education or receive academic credit for prior training.

Preparedness and Survival

• American Family Safety provides resources and products tailored to emergency preparedness and survival, often with special offers for first responders.

Funding and Grant Programs

For agencies or individuals seeking to purchase new or used equipment, grant programs can be a viable funding source. These programs require detailed proposals and supporting documentation but can provide the necessary funds to acquire essential gear.

• The LEEP for America program also assists with funding, though it is primarily directed toward emerging democracies. For U.S.-based agencies, it is worth reaching out to see if they can provide guidance on other funding sources.
• The Hero Fund USA offers a Safety Equipment Requests program, which funds items such as body armor, ballistic helmets, communication equipment, and more. Items are typically funded on a 50/50 match basis, meaning the requesting agency must cover half of the cost. This program is open to law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel.

Trade Shows and Liquidation Opportunities

For those seeking alternative ways to access equipment, trade shows and liquidation events can be effective. These events often feature police equipment dealers who are willing to donate or sell gear at reduced prices to support community-based initiatives.

• MachineGun.com and other dealers may have policies in place to donate gear or provide it at a reduced cost if it is not selling well in their inventory.
• Police benefit organizations and auxiliaries may also have access to programs or funds that can be used to purchase necessary equipment. These organizations often work with dealers and manufacturers to secure discounted or donated gear for law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion

Free police equipment and tactical gear can be accessed through a combination of nonprofit organizations, manufacturer programs, and benefit initiatives. Whether through direct donations, grant funding, or substantial discounts, law enforcement and first responders have multiple pathways to acquire the necessary tools and gear without incurring full costs. By researching and engaging with these programs, agencies can enhance their operational capabilities while conserving financial resources.

Sources

1. LEEP for America
2. Galls Police and Tactical Gear Catalog
3. Police1 – 30 Discounts for Law Enforcement Officers
4. Hero Fund USA – Safety Equipment Requests