| Ever since the concept was first introduced in or | | | | which are used by police officers while others are |
| around the 1930's, the use of tactical flashlights to aid | | | | designed with specific uses in mind. Many military |
| the police and military in identifying targets before firing | | | | tactical flashlights can be attached to clothing instead |
| has saved countless lives and made the jobs of | | | | of firearms, allowing soldiers a wider view of the area |
| soldiers and officers much easier. Though now | | | | while keeping their hands free to handle their gun or |
| commonplace, when the use of these lights was first | | | | other weapons. Most of these lights will have |
| introduced it was a major tactical innovation. In the | | | | specialized filters or in some cases specialized bulbs |
| years since, tactical lighting has evolved greatly and | | | | which will allow them to illuminate an area for night |
| now a variety of bulb, battery, and case technologies | | | | vision or infrared goggles without giving away their |
| allow for one-handed or hands-free lighting in a number | | | | position by the bright light. |
| of greatly differing tactical situations. | | | | Sportsmen and Other Outdoorsmen |
| Police Use | | | | Tactical flashlights and similar tactical gear aren't just |
| The original innovators of the tactical flashlight were | | | | used by soldiers and police officers, of course. Many |
| police departments who needed an easy way to | | | | hunters, sportsmen, and other outdoorsmen will make |
| correctly identify suspects in low-light situations while | | | | use of this same equipment when hunting early in the |
| still being able to fire a gun if necessary. Specialized | | | | mornings, letting them maneuver through wooded |
| tactical flashlights were developed that could easily be | | | | areas without having to carry a larger flashlight or |
| held along with a firearm, allowing officers to see | | | | lantern. This can be especially useful when setting up a |
| clearly whatever the gun was pointed at. As tactical | | | | deer stand or establishing a hunting location in low-light |
| gear has improved over the years so have these | | | | situations, as they will be able to have their hands free |
| lights; the majority of police-issue tactical flashlights | | | | to work while still ensuring that they have enough light |
| make use of LED's to allow them an unprecedented | | | | to see what they are doing. A number of these |
| bulb life with minimal battery usage, while using | | | | dedicated sportsmen will use light filters or specialized |
| custom-designed cases which are resilient against | | | | bulbs similar to those which are used by soldiers to |
| damage and that can be physically attached to the | | | | keep from spooking wildlife; the light is changed to a |
| gun itself so as to allow the officer to either have a | | | | shade which won't be noticeable by deer or other |
| free hand or to use both hands on the firearm. | | | | animals that they may be hunting. These tactical lights |
| Military Use | | | | can also help to prevent potential legal problems that |
| Much like the police force, the military has a great need | | | | could be caused by larger lights, as their smaller size |
| for specialized tactical lighting that won't interfere with | | | | makes them nearly impossible to use for illegally |
| a soldier's duties. Military tactical flashlights can come in | | | | spotlighting game in order to stun it. |
| a variety of styles, some of which are similar to those | | | | |