9 Best Police and Law Enforcement Flashlights [2024 Updated]

Last Updated on October, 2024

What if I told you that your flashlight could get you a promotion? Or even save your life?

Having a reliable flashlight for law enforcement officers is essential. Thankfully, so many flashlight companies are investing in high performance flashlights. 

But then another problem comes up.

What is the best law enforcement light? The answer is in this review. 

Not only that, you get the nine best police flashlights to choose from. But why should you consider our recommendations? Why trust us?

Why Trust Us?

We tested around 15 flashlights and eventually chose the best nine based on their features. Because of that, you don’t have to worry about testing them or reading every single word of the documentation.

We have done all of it for you.

All you need to do is make it to the end of this review.

Without further ado, let’s begin.

9 of the Best Law Enforcement Flashlights

1. Olight Warrior Mini 2 (Editor’s Choice)

There’s a tail cap switch with two stages in terms of the tactical aspects. With that, you can access strobe and turbo settings instantly. The handy main switch lets you switch between multiple lighting modes.

You can use the switches with gloves on, and I checked it. 

The knurling pattern of this tactical flashlight is unique, and the grip feels great no matter how you hold it. That’s why it’s suitable for everyday carry as well.

There are six modes, including the strobe light, and here’s how they work.

The maximum light output is 1,750 lumens in the turbo setting, with a runtime of 4 minutes and a light distance of 220m (656.2 ft).

The high mode has 500 lumens for 218 minutes at a light distance of 117m (383.9 ft). For 57m (187ft) of beam throw, the medium mode runs for 19 hours with 120 lumens. The low mode has 15 lumens for 164 hours at a 19m (62.3ft) beam distance.

These modes are essential for the police force to adjust the illumination situationally. But these modes also make the Warrior Mini 2 a great EDC flashlight for police officers.

The moonlight mode runs for 45 days with 1 lumen. Any police officer finds the moonlight mode useful for two reasons; the discreteness and the long runtime. 

The Strobe mode emits 1750lm at 13Hz frequency.

Durability of this tactical flashlight is guaranteed with the aluminum alloy body with the IPX8 waterproof resistance. You also get a 1.5m drop resistance and a five-year company warranty.

The design quality is impressive, which makes the Warrior Mini 2 virtually indestructible. Given how messy law reinforcement work can get, it’s essential to invest in the best police flashlights.

You can simply charge your flashlight in your patrol vehicle with convenient USB charging, 

The safe proximity protection feature will dim the light when blocked by a near object to prevent overheating.

So, is it surprising that Olight Warrior Mini 2 became the best tactical flashlight?

Checkout the Olight Warrior Mini 2 Review.

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2. Fenix TK35UE V2.0 (#2nd Best Choice)

So, what about the tactical features that make law enforcement work easier?

There are two main operational modes such as tactical and duty.

There are six light levels (turbo, high, med, low, eco, and strobe) in the duty setting/mode. 

In the tactical setting, there’s the tactical and strobe modes. This dual-mode operation makes the TK35UE V2.0 one of the best tactical lights.

The turbo setting emits 5000lm for 1h and 40min at 400m (1312.34ft) of long range beam throw. The high mode has 2000lm output for 2h at 250m (820.2ft) beam distance.

The med mode emits 800lm for 4h at a 160m (524.93ft) distance. The low mode emits 350lm for 13h and 40min at a beam throw of 100m (328.1ft). 

Finally, at the eco mode, the lumen count is 30 for 85h (3.5 days) at a 32m distance.

In the tactical setting, the strobe light has 3500 lumens. The tactical setting has 3500lm with a runtime of 1h and 50min for 320m (1049.9ft).

This flashlight has two tail switches for two modes; tactical and duty. That makes the TK35UE V2.0 an amazing EDC and tactical flashlight.

The duty mode has a functional tail switch; you can switch between brightness modes by that. This mechanism is similar to the popular Fenix PD35 tac.

This long-range flashlight is suitable for everyday use as well. 

This Fenix flashlight is made from durable A6061-T6 aluminum similar to their famous Fenix PD35. The IP68 waterproof rating further increases durability.

The flashlight is powered by rechargeable batteries and has a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

All things considered, the Fenix TK35UE V2.0 is one of the best tactical flashlights for police officers and similar professionals.

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3. Acebeam L19 2.0 (#3rd Best Choice)

The L19 2.0 comes with a dual-switch system. There’s a tactical cap switch for momentary on or constant illumination. That feature is crucial for instant subduing of aggressors, and similar situations.

The metal side switch is used to switch between the modes.

What’s most interesting is how you can operate the switches with gloves. 

The square-block knurling pattern gives an excellent grip on this tactical flashlight. Because of that, police personnel don’t have to worry about cold night shifts.

There are seven operational modes in this flashlight allowing full control for police professionals to adjust the light intensity situationally.

The turbo setting has 2200lm with corresponding 1min 50s runtime. It also has a long range of 1083m.

The high mode has 1200lm running for 1h 38min for 769m (2522.97ft). The mid2 mode emits 630lm light for 4h 8min for 554m (1817.59ft) beam throw. The mid1 mode has 300lm for 9h 45min for 380m (1246.72ft) beam distance.

In the low mode, you get 100lm for 30h 5min for 223m (731.63ft).

The moonlight mode will keep the flashlight alive for 62 days with 1 lumen. The strobe light has 1100lm that lasts for 1h 47min.

Remember, the mentioned durations are maximum.

The flashlight is USB-C rechargeable; you can charge it easily as you patrol the neighborhood.

The flashlight’s durability is certified with an IP68 waterproof rating. The impact resistance height is 1m.

All these features combined make the Acebeam L19 2.0 the best third tactical LED flashlight for police officers.

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4. Nitecore P10iX

Unlike the other i-gen flashlights of Nitecore, the tail switch protrudes outward. This is to enable constant-on. The Strobe Ready™button lets you access the strobe/turbo setting instantly. Both these buttons are located at the tail button.

So, policeman and policewoman can rely on a flashlight like this for both patrolling and more serious work.

There are two user modes: tactical and daily, and seven operating modes under them; Turbo, higher, high, mid, low, ultralow, and strobe.

The tactical setting has four brightness levels and instant activation to Strobe/turbo setting. The turbo mode emits 4000lm for 30 mins for 158m (518.4ft) beam distance.

Then comes the high mode with 850lm for 2h 30min for 72m (236.22ft). The mid mode has 300lm for 7h 15min for 44m (144.4ft) beam throw. The low mode has 50lm for 38h for a 17m (55.8ft) beam distance. 

Once again, law enforcement professionals have the full control of the light’s intensity.

The daily mode has the same modes as the tactical setting, including two more modes; Higher and ultra-low. The higher mode has 1700lm for 2h at 102m (334.7m) beam distance. The ultralow mode emits 2lm for 350h (14.5 days) for a 3m (9.8ft) beam throw.

The strobe light with a 5000mAh 21700 lithium ion battery emits 4000lm. Such a strong light is enough to temporarily blind a person.

The flashlight is USB-C rechargeable, and the charging port is covered. It keeps the charging port safe from dust particles elongating the lifespan of the flashlight.

The flashlight is IP68 waterproof rated with an impact resistance of 2m. These design features further increase the lifespan of the P10iX.

To make things convenient, you also receive a free NTH10 tactical holster.

In conclusion, the flashlight is very suitable for law enforcement work.

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5. ThruNite TN12 Pro

The modes are very diverse, letting you choose the brightness level situationally.

The turbo setting emits 1900lm with respective 7min runtime with a peak beam distance of 380m (1246.72ft). The high mode emits 550lm for 2.5hrs. The medium mode has 220lm for 9hrs. The low mode emits 50lm for 46hrs.

Then there’s the firefly mode (identical to the moonlight mode) with 0.5lm with a maximum runtime of 37 days. Firefly modes and similar modes help any policeman to navigate through dark areas without alarming the background too much.

The strobe emits 560lm for 4.5hrs. 

The two-way clip will make it easier for you to attach to backpacks and clothes.

It’s also USB-C rechargeable.

Durability is certified with a hard-anodized durable aluminum body and IPX8 waterproof rating. It is also 1.5m impact resistant.

For small flashlights, it’s impressive what the TN12 Pro does, and it deserves to be on the list.

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6. Weltool T19

There are two operational modes: high and low. In the high mode, the maximum output is 2050lm for 1h 10min at 327m. The low output mode runs with 25lm for 40h 30min for 36.5m.

This variation makes the T9 a suitable addition to your tactical gear.

Weltool’s potting technology of their optics increases the stability of the light beam. It increases the overall illumination.

In almost all these flashlights, it’s highly recommended to use one 18650 rechargeable battery.

You don’t have to worry about using the T19 in high-temperature environments. The reason is the through-hole cooling patent with thermal protection function.

The T19 also has a low battery reminder function and battery-overcharge protection.

Durability is certified with an IP67 waterproof rating. It also has an impact resistance of 1m.

The balance between the performance and suitability for law enforcement work is well-met in this flashlight.

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7. Cyansky K3

There are two main modes such as general mode and special mode. The general mode has four modes, and the special mode has two modes.

The turbo setting emits 2000lm for 2h at a 700m beam throw. The high mode has 450lm for 4.5h at 336m. The med mode has 150lm for 16h at 200m. Finally, the low mode emits 30lm for 66h (2.75 days) at 42m.

The special mode’s eco mode has a 2lm output with 400h (16.6 days) runtime at 1m distance. The strobe light emits 2000lm.

The battery level indicator is handy. It takes only about 3.5h to charge fully. 

I was surprised to see Zirconium beads on the flashlight head, and that helps law enforcement officers crack glass easily. On some occasions, they’ll be even useful for combat too.

Durability is assured with the IP68 waterproof rating. K3’s impact resistance is 2m.

All things considered, this is definitely one of the best flashlights for law enforcement work.

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8. Maglite ML150LR(X)

There’s no tail button switch, but you can operate it efficiently with a side switch. 

There are three operational modes, and here’s how they differ.

The high mode emits 1082lm for 3h 15min at 458m. The low mode has 138lm for 18hr, and the eco mode emits 25lm for 79hr (3.3 days).

You also get Maglite’s patented LED heat-sink technology for stable light beams.

The batteries are rechargeable and replaceable.

Finally, durability is assured with the IPX4 waterproof rating, 1m impact resistance, and the matte anodized finish.

In conclusion, this belongs to the best flashlights overall.

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9. Imalent DM35

The turbo mode emits 2000lm with respective 3min durations for 450m (1476.38ft) max light distance. The high mode has 1400lm for 4 mins. 

The middle mode emits 900lm for 2h and 20 min, and the middle low output runs with 300lm for 5h 50min. Finally, the low setting emits 20lm for 192h (8 days).

The DM35 has no tail switch, so the switching is done by the main side switch. The first few flashlights in this list had a tail switch which helped the users turn them on instantly.

It also has a red light built for more comfortable sleeping too. But that light is on the body, so you don’t have to keep it upright.

The IPX8 waterproof rating ensures durability. Impact resistance is 1.5m.

So, all things considered, this is one of the best lights. But it won’t be remotely close to as good as a flashlight like Olight Warrior Mini 2 or Fenix TK35UE V2.0.

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Factors to Check in Buying a Law Enforcement Tactical Flashlight 

Build Quality, Weight, and Dimensions

The Maximum Lumen Output

Usually, the maximum lumen output is a marketing strength, which is practically useful. So, make sure you’re satisfied with the maximum lumen output. 

If you don’t know, compare the considered lumen output with pictorial or video references. It’s easy to achieve long distances when the lumen output is high.

The Range

Range depends on the distance and the extent of the area of the light. Flood flashlights have more distribution, unlike beam flashlights, whose beam is narrower. 

But long distances are easily achievable by narrow light beams. Nonetheless, be sure to look at the range in meters or feet so you know how far you can use the light.

Presence of Different Modes (Especially the Tactical Mode)

The tactical or the strobe mode is used to subdue aggressors and as an emergency signal. So, access to that mode should be almost instantaneous by a tail cap switch.

Apart from that, it’s better to have multiple modes with different bright light outputs. That helps you control the light intensity and also the battery life.

In addition, check for additional light features (such as red light) that preserves the night vision.

Durability 

Two main areas in flashlights assure durability; the build quality and warranty. It’s unwise to buy electrical equipment without a warranty, especially an LED flashlight. 

The durability by design would be higher if there were an IP waterproof rating with a drop resistance of at least 1m. These are minimum requirements, so the more, the merrier.

Battery Life and Type

The battery life of flashlights depends on the light output. It’s the design standard to have a few minutes with the maximum output and days of battery life in the lowest mode. 

But you should be satisfied with what you invest in. In addition, it’s always better to have a rechargeable flashlight over a flashlight that needs the batteries replaced.

In Conclusion 

A police flashlight is unique; it comes out for more severe purposes than just lighting up dark areas. That’s why any law enforcement officer needs a dependable police flashlight.

Luckily, Olight’s Warrior Mini 2 ticks all the requirements and more. If you’re a police officer who wants to minimize risks, Warrior Mini 2 deserves to be your new flashlight.

However, there are nine others, and you can choose what you want based on their performance. At the end of the day, all you need is a light that doesn’t disappoint you.

FAQs