Officers understand the pressures of being prepared for any situation that comes their way in the line of duty. Whether racing to a crime scene, patrolling the highway, or off-duty, there are numerous products officers need in their vehicles to help them do exactly that.
After a quick glance inside a cop car, it’s not hard to understand why so many officers get attached to their duty vehicles. From the top-of-the-line engines to high-end technology, police cars and SUVs are more than just average vehicles rolling down the street. However, to truly make a police vehicle the perfect car for the job, it needs to be organized.
A key element of police vehicle organization is appropriate, safe storage for firearms.
Storage Options for Firearms
Police officers are not above the law when it comes to firearm safety. In fact, it is their duty to be examples of safe and proper firearm storage. Whether officers are on the job or storing a gun at home, there is a standard of compliance that differs depending on the state where they work, and cops understand the laws of their area. Whatever the requirements, it’s important to keep a firearm safe at all times.
Fortunately, a police vehicle has a few spots optimally built for adding a lockable container that can serve as safe storage for an officer’s firearm.
Lockboxes
For officers that prefer a nearby firearm storage option, they can add a lockbox to their vehicles. However, when looking for the perfect fit, make sure that the lockbox is extra durable and fits all items that will be stored there. Lockboxes are also a great spot to store extra radios, handcuffs, and smaller necessities.
Console Insert Safes
A console safe that includes lockable features is also a great choice for everyday cop use. Plus officers won’t have to worry about removing the vehicles current 
console; these inserts fit perfectly inside the vehicle’s specific make and model.A key element of police vehicle organization is appropriate, safe storage for firearms.
For non-car police vehicles such as trucks, other options exist, including under-rear seat lockboxes.
Security Drawers
Another option that many police officers prefer are security drawers. Simply add security drawers to the vehicle’s trunk space, and an officer will have the perfect roll-out option for storing his or her firearm. These storage containers are great spots for storing bigger firearms. Plus, these lockboxes can keep all of the user’s other valuables (police vests, ammunition, uniform, boots, etc.) safely stored at all times. Thus, when the officers are off-duty, they can put all of their work belongings in their vehicle for safekeeping until their next shift.
Tactical Lockboxes
One of the best options for most police officers are tactical lock boxes. These storage solutions keep firearms and other large gear safe and secure no matter where the lockbox is. Large portable storage options make long gun storage simple. Officers can store them in the passenger seat of the car, trunk, or wherever it suits them best.
Portable safes, similar to tactical lockboxes, can easily be moved from under seat to office and home due to their compact size and light weight. This portable feature makes it wonderful for those cops who prefer to carry off-duty, as well as on-duty. For example, just watch how Sergeant Dave Allmon from the Cortez, Colorado, Police Department uses his portable lockbox for his personal firearm.
Firearm storage is an essential item for every police officer. However, the intended use of the storage will dictate the version of lockbox selected. For example, if larger items will be stored, consider security drawers rather than a traditional lockbox. Officers should observe what they use on the job and decide which option fits their needs the best. Every cop is different, and what works for one officer might not be the best choice for another
Whichever storage type is chosen, keeping their firearm safely stored, yet close by could be one of the factors that ensure officers go home at the end of their watches.
