The gloves, which are also featured in the latest addition of Police Life, Ambulance Life and The Met Life newspapers, are a welcome addition to The Protec range delivering a high end solution at a budget cost.

The gloves will be on display at The Hawk International stand which is located at E20. Protec staff will be available to answer your questions and help with any enquiries.

If you require any additional information regarding the Safe Search Glove, or information regarding any of our other products, call 0151 548 0144.

The Safe Search Glove will be available for purchase on general sale later this month. Official Procurement orders are now being taken.


Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the latest Police Life, Ambulance Life or Met Life to read about the development and test results of The Safe Search Glove.

Over the past 12 months we have became increasingly aware of a number of Police services enquiring with regards PPE gloves but found our sales of PPE gloves to be slow. Comparing our range of products to various other suppliers, we were happy that our product range was comparable, if not – albeit our own opinion, favourable.

With no obvious answers to hand (pardon the opportunity), we took our enquiries direct to the people that matter. Our follow up enquiries revealed that the available options to Police staff, at that time, were limited in their protective qualities and very expensive. Concerned by the response and with the realisation that Officers were going unprotected, we felt there was no other option than to set about developing a better and more affordable glove.

To summarise, the market offers 2 levels of protection. They are commonly known as ‘slash resistant’ and ‘puncture resistant or needle stick protection’. Good quality slash resistant gloves are available with prices ranging from £13-£30. Puncture resistant gloves can set you back anywhere from ££55-£130. That’s a whopping cost in the region of £68-£160 and with the added inconvenience of having to carry 2 sets of gloves. No glove offered both types of protection.

So, we decided to develop our own glove. This wasn’t quite a stab in the dark because we had already, and very successfully, introduced a slash resistant glove in 2006. But, the new glove had to go further. It had to deliver on a number of key factors. They included comfort, feel and grip together with superior abrasive qualities for everyday use. They also had to deliver a greater level of cut resistance and of paramount importance was puncture resistance. Our number one objective was to produce an affordable glove that eradicated the need for two pairs. A smart uniform glove that could be worn for general patrol whilst affording Officers total protection at all times.

After consultation with several Police Services and Defensive Training Instructors, we have developed a glove that has puncture resistant palms and fingers, combined with slash resistant backs that continue to the cuffs. It is a glove that can be worn for general purpose duties but also offers 360 degree protection.

Following a period of development, we submitted the Safe Search Gloves to SATRA for British Standard in early May 2009 (SATRA are the world’s leading research and technology authority for consumer product testing).We are delighted to announce that the gloves exceed all expectation, returning results that show this new glove is simply one of the best, if not the most appropriate on the market today.

The certification show the gloves achieved maximum levels for abrasion resistance, tear resistance and blade cut resistance. Allowances had to be made for puncture resistance to allow the glove to be workable and dexterous.

It’s important that Officers realise why we didn’t opt for maximum puncture resistance, you simply wouldn’t have been able to grip or feel with the glove. However, our glove does offer a higher level of protection than the rather expensive gloves already used by Police Officers. The glove did achieve level 3 grading which is the 2nd highest grading for puncture resistance and this is a great improvement. Some of the most expensive gloves on the market today actually only achieved level 2 puncture resistance. Gloves with the highest level of protection tend to be made from chainmail and similar materials. In our opinion, they are simply not fit for Police purpose.

We firmly believe that the new glove offers the highest level of protection available in a ‘dexterous glove’ and it is both uniform smart and comfortable.

We hope to make the gloves available for distribution during July 2009 for just £32.95.

No that’s not a typo, £32.95. Pre orders are now being taken for Official Procurement Invoices only.

Initially intended to be used as a leg restraint, the HoldFast is now recognised as a full body strap system and training is available at various levels of practice. The main feature of the system aims to reduce the occurrences of assault and criminal damage post arrest, when dealing with a violent person.

Applying the LR1 to the legs, using approved techniques, will ensure that a detained person will not be able to kick out. This will negate the risk of injury to Police staff and criminal damage to Police vehicles and property. Guidance for use of any limb restraint system should be referred to local guidelines and procedures.

When faced with a violent person, most Officers choose to effectively restrain and detain using approved handcuffing techniques to the rear. This does negate the use of the HoldFast to the upper body. However, occasions arise where complaint detainees become violent post handcuffing and these persons are most often handcuffed to the front. In this position it is widely recognised that the handcuffs can in fact become a weapon. With the HoldFast applied to the arms and upper body, using the approved technique, it prevents any person who is handcuffed to the front from punching out.
The HoldFast should only be used by trained personnel in accordance with local guidelines and procedures.

The units come as a belt mounted system, comprising of a pouch containing two straps. Both the pouch and the straps are made from highly durable material that are slash resistant and waterproof as standard. This gives you a product that will withstand the rigors of operational duty for years.

Since their introduction, the HoldFast are now used across Britain in Police and Prison Services. Each Service has its own particular requirements and training needs. Units are now being issued to individual Officers, firearms and tactical units, prisoner processing teams and custody suites to name a few. If you require any guidance on the use of the system or if you need ‘training the trainer’ courses, contact Protec Police Supplies for the latest information or read our guidelines.

The Holdfast Limb Restraints are a cost effective solution that improve Officer safety, reduce the risk of harm and lessens the likelihood of damage to vehicles and property.

Gaining entry into buildings or houses can be very difficult and, as luck would have it, it’s usually the time when we need to be in quick. It is even more frustrating when supporting Police units, arriving moments later, face a closed or obstructed door. This can lead to panic, which in turn, causes further delay when time is of the essence and rapid entry is essential.

The REFRA Controller is a simple solution that WILL save lives. Designed by Police and Fire Officers the unit has many adaptations were applying one takes seconds and the time saved is immeasurable.

On a daily basis they are used to indicate where Police staff have entered a building or room. Discreet enough not to draw attention to an unwanted presence, the REFRA’s bright yellow outer shell is a clear indication to the trained eye that there is a Police presence behind a door. This is an ideal tool for night duty when searching for house numbers in the dark can be impossible. The unit can be clearly identified in torch light and even be left attached to a garden gate near the roadside.

Police are often called to situations at a roadside location, “Fight in progress on the High Street”. First Response crews are often then drawn in to buildings near the location leaving supporting Officers unaware of their colleagues exact whereabouts. Situations in high rise blocks can provide a multitude of potential dangers. The REFRA Controller can prevent a door slamming shut or show where in the building the Police Officers are.

1-2-3 Technique

When used during a building search the 1-2-3 Technique will standardise communication and lead to safer investigation and quicker aid.

Position 1 = Safe route in or out.
Position 2 = Behind this door is a hazard.
Position 3 = Room has been investigated and closed.

Relatively cheap it is sturdy and easily looked over by the untrained eye. The Protec REFRA controller comes in police colours so other emergency crews can see who’s already in the building. It is compact, light and easily carried on a utility belt or police vest. The units can also be carried in or on response vehicles or attached to bicycles frames for quick access.

Some additional uses include:
Route Indicator – Health & Safety Building Evacuations.
Door Jam – used on the hinged side to keep doors wide open to assist ventilating contaminated scenes.

For further information regarding the REFRA, or if you have any suggested uses, please contact Protec Police Supplies.

The Holdfast Limb Restraints will be able to provide officers considerably more control over violent subjects who resist when being placed into a Police vehicle. The intention behind the Holdfast Leg Restraint is to restrict the ability of the offender to kick and thrash about. Reducing injuries to officers and subjects and will reduce damage to Police vehicles.

Holdfast Limb Restraints should only be used by serving Police officers who have been trained in the procedure of use by their Police Force.

Visit our store to purchase the Police leg restraints today.

Download a copy of the guidelines.

Wondering around after the show had closed you couldn’t help but over hear other exhibitors discussing sales, potential sales, procurement interest, etc. We were extremely pleased with the procurement interest and will continue to work with forces to further develop our range, and that should really go with out saying. What most impressed us was the ideas of the Officers who attended the stand. Police Officers can’t help but get involved, offer constructive criticism and bring new ideas to the table. We loved it!

There is nothing we love more than improving our range and delivering the best solutions. This is what makes our products, in our opinion, standard out from the rest. Forgive me for not sharing the ideas here, but, rest assured we are on with the improvements. We can’t thank you enough for your feedback and involvement.

Each year we make every attempt to launch a new product at the HOSDB show. If for no other reason than to get your feedback. The REFRA was this years ‘latest product’. What a talking point. I don’t think we have ever caused such a fuss in launching a new product. Much more than a ‘door stop’, this simple product is likely to revolutionise searching and safety at scenes. If you missed it you can read more in our article REFRA – Safety at Scenes.

Exhibition shows, for the exhibitor, are exhausting – ask any of them. But meeting up with so many old faces and making new friends makes HOSDB one of the most enjoyable times of our year. We look forward to our next show which we will announce here on our Protec website. Once again, thank you to all involved.

The term harness has extended to include a range of equipment solutions but was originally intended for use in covert operations. The harness is the smallest equipment holder in the range. It can be either a single sided body panel or a bilateral unit with panels either side of the body. The units are then held in place by contoured shoulder straps or a back panel dependant on personal needs. The purpose of the harness is to discretely conceal personal protective equipment.

For overt Officers vests are a preferred option. They come in a variety of materials from solid panelled units to light weight mesh units. There is also the option of black uniformed vests or a high visibility option dependent upon the role of the individual. Both styles are available with or without Police badges.

All units can be adapted for specific requirements and this is most evident with the development of the tactical vest range. Initially implemented for Firearms Officers Protec developed the range for a number of specialist posts which include dog handlers and traffic Officers. Whatever your specialism, Protec can develop a solution to suit your needs.

All the harnesses and vests have a wide range of storage options for batons, radios, handcuffs and other protective equipment such as sprays and tasers.

The Protec Carriage System range is designed to store equipment securely whilst evenly distributing items across the larger body mass to provide a comfortable experience for Officers. The development also addresses Officer safety allowing the individual to draw equipment quickly and with ease.

The M36 was specifically designed as a PSU/Firearms Support Bag. The key feature of the bag is the uniquely designed padded compartment which is ideal for protective headwear. This adjustable waterproof pocket gives extra protection to essential protective helmets.

Constructed of superior grade 1200D nylon, the bag measures a whopping 87 x 56 x 32cm inclusive of external pockets. The base of the bag is guarded by a reinforced water resistant base and the bag is finished with superior stitching techniques throughout to give extra support and protection.

As with all the other bags in this Protec range, it can be used as a holdall with its heavy duty carry handles and is finished with an emergency drag handle if the need arises for a speedy evacuation. The bag also features body contoured, heavy duty rucksack shoulder straps so it can be carried comfortably for prolonged periods if required.

Due to its huge size, extra care was taken at the design stages to balance the bag. This was achieved by even distribution of the 8 external pockets. The main compartment of the bag is easily accessed via a three sided zip and is large enough to store a full PPE kit – pads and body armour included. All exterior zip fasteners are oversized for ease of operation and if all this isn’t enough, the design team also incorporated exterior molle loops for any accessories you may need quick access to.

The M36 is finished with a clear, credit card sized ID window. In addition, the bags can be printed on with force and Officer identification details at an extra cost, an addition that is easily affordable with MC Products launching the Protec M36 at just £29.99.

In order to perform, you have to be prepared, ask any Scout. Being prepared includes having the right equipment. The right equipment by today’s standards places demands on manufacturers that many of them simply fail to deliver. An exception to this is MC Products and their brand of Police equipment called Protec.

The Protec range has been evolving alongside Police Officers for over 20 years. From the early days of the basic holdall bag, through to the duty belt years and up to the more recent evolution of high visibility tactical vests, MC Products have delivered premium products at recession beating prices.

2008 saw the arrival of the M35 Special Operations Tactical Bag and various upgrades to the existing bags in the Protec range, testament to the company’s commitment to deliver and improve. Their range of harnesses and tactical vests didn’t escape improvements and the beginning of 2008 saw the surprise arrival of a Police vest specifically designed for Community Support Officers. Terry Cranny, Sales Manager explained “Traditionally, our vests housed solutions for batons, incapacitant sprays, handcuffs, radios and various other pieces of kit. However, the arrival of the Community Support Officer saw a change in the way Police deliver a service and we needed to address the requirements of those Officers performing a duty.”

Just one week in to 2009 brought a new bag from the company, yet another rucksack in their already extensive range. The M36 Endurance Bag is likely to prove as big a hit as any other that the company has developed. Amazingly this huge kit bag hit the shelves at just £29.99 and it has all the build quality that now comes as ‘standard’ from Protec, which is second to none.

The customer reviews on the company website sum up the Protec range’s reputation as a leader in Police equipment, “This has to be the best kit bag ever. I have to carry body armour, different vests, coats and headgear along with the usual kit needed for duty. This bag surpassed my expectations and was a bargain for the price”, and the comment, like many others, was accompanied by a 5 star rating to dispel any unlikely doubts.

In reviewing this bag it became apparent very quickly that the company’s competitors have got a mountain to climb if they are going to match their bags for design, build quality & cost.
The M35 is part of the Protec Bag range. It is a mid-sized frameless backpack constructed of tough 1200D nylon. This unique design has three zipped compartments and a notably huge amount of kit loops. To top it off it is double stitched with bound seams ensuring that its construction will provide years of rugged use.

Features:

• Hydration system compatible.
• Body contour shoulder straps
• External side compression straps
• Heavy duty carry/ drag handle
• Padded torsion and stabiliser waist belt
• Two sets of securing straps (ground sheet, sleeping bag, etc.)
• D-rings for equipment attachments on the shoulder strap
• All compartments have large No 10 zips closed by dual sliders
• Molle loops on front and both sides for accessories
• Velcro patch on the front for your own badge
• Weight 1.4kgs
• Capacity: approx 30.3ltr
• Size: H 50cm x W 37cm x D 24cm (expandable)

As always Protec have developed a Police tactical bag that is superior to any other bag we found in the same price range.

Putting the bag to the ultimate test we compared it to a well established brand within the industry. We couldn’t split them, with one exception, the price. The Protect M35 at £29.95 came in at a massive 75% saving. Granted the ‘branded’ bags in the industry are very expensive, perhaps over priced, a reason why many Officers go for alternative bags. With this in mind we took the M35 and compared it to similar bags offered by Protec’s competitors. Nothing came close, it simply blew the competition away on build quality, functionality and most importantly on price. It still came in at an average 50% cheaper.

Remember what this bag is, it is a Special Operations Tactical Bag. Search for its competitor on google. Then go back to Protec Police bags and take another look.
Their description is spot on but somehow still doesn’t do it justice. This bag has more kit loops than I could mention. I would defy anyone who could hang a piece of kit from every loop and still manage to carry the bag. The kit loops are actually a design feature that enables Officers to arrange their kit in a very personal way.