Security Officers Tools of the Trade. Topic 1: The mighty Pen.

In today’s modern world with smart phone apps, computers and electronic surveillance the good old fashion ink pen still has its place in the security world. While some officers may only use it as a nice shiny pocket decoration to compliment their “flair”, others depend on a reliable pen for its many uses and functions. Your pen can be a very important tool in the security world. From writing reports, taking notes or just filling out the Sunday Times cross word puzzle the security officers pen is a multi use tool of the trade.

One often over looked feature of an officers pen is using your trusty ole BIC ballpoint for some serious self defense. That’s right! your pen can be used to more accurately and effectively control an aggressors pressure points, hit precise stun points and obtain compliance and control of an unruly subject. As with any control tactics its best to seek out instruction and training in these methods, but as crazy as it may sound obtaining compliance from a subject with your ink pen can be done.

Here is a great demonstration:

Your choice of pen is a very important one. Most security officers will work in varying weather and temperature conditions from post to post. These types of conditions make your average $0.25 ball point ink pen useless. Most ball point ink contains an oil-based solvent and pigment for color but because it is oil-based, it can smear and cold weather extremely limits their function. Gel pens are another likely choice for most officers. Gel pen ink contains colorful pigment suspended in a thick, water-based gel. Gel pens are a little more reliable than standard ink pens but are not immune from failure. Finding a reliable sturdy solid case metal pen in whatever style you choose is a wise investment.

My pen of choice is the Fisher Space Pen.

The Fisher Scientific Space Pen.

Space pen

The Fisher Space pen is a great choice for security officers due to its ability to function at even the coldest of temperatures and write at any angle, even in zero gravity ( in the odd chance that you work for NASA security and accidentally get launched into space this could come in very handy). The Fisher Space Pen looks great, is tough as nails and fits nicely in a uniform shirt pocket. The secret of the space pen lies within the ink cartridge itself. They come pressurized with nitrogen gas, and feature a tungsten carbide ballpoint tip – the same extra hard metal that is used to make armor-piercing ammunition. If your interested in learning more about the Fisher Space Pen you can check them out (HERE)

Crayon

During your shift will undoubtedly find the need for other types of pens while performing your duties. Highlighters, permanent markers or even the odd crayon; (You just try to work night shift sitting next to a box of crayons and not color something =)

Your quest for a good duty pen can cost as little or as much as you care to spend. While most of us will find no need for a $1200 Russian Empire Gold Fountain Pen . You should stay away from cheap throw away pens that can be messy and unreliable. In the end, a pen is pen and carrying any type of pen with you on duty is a step in the right direction. Being a security officer means being prepared, vigilant, organized and efficient. As with many of the tools of the trade, the pen is only as good as the officer behind it. Keep learning, keep training, Stay safe.