Best Needle Resistant Gloves for Police
Protective gear forms the foundation of safety for any law enforcement officer, and needle-resistant gloves are an essential part of this kit.
These gloves provide protection against needlestick injuries, often sustained during searches, arrests, or evidence handling, and can help prevent the transmission of potentially lethal bloodborne pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C.
Here's what you need to know before you purchase needle-resistant gloves:
Most “needle resistant” gloves on the market are not standardized tested!
The bold claims made by these manufacturers are not backed by any scientific data or meaningful values. You cannot trust these gloves.
Additionally, gloves with a high cut resistance rating does not imply that they are needle resistant in the slightest.
Instead, you must look for gloves that are ASTM F2878 rated under ANSI/ISEA 105.
This test method is used to determine the force required to cause a hypodermic needle to penetrate through the protective material.
ASTM Needle Resistance Test Methods.
The Best Needle Resistant Gloves for Police:
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HexArmor 6044
(ASTM F2878 Level 4)
Level 4 needle resistance on palms, fingertips, and side of hand
Design preserves dexterity
Built specifically for police officers
For cheaper options with less protection, please jump down the page for our full list of recommendations ↓
Important Features to Consider
Why Needle Resistant Gloves?
Protection Against Needlestick Injuries: Police work often involves dealing with unknown and potentially harmful materials. Needle-resistant gloves provide a protective barrier, reducing the risk of sustaining a puncture from a needle or other sharp objects.
Prevention of Disease Transmission: If a needle punctures the skin, there is a risk of transmitting harmful diseases. These gloves provide an extra level of security in the fight against bloodborne pathogens.
Peace of Mind: While carrying out their duties, officers should be able to focus entirely on their tasks at hand. Knowing that they're protected from needlestick injuries can help alleviate unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Things to Consider When Buying Needle Resistant Gloves
Needle Resistance: Not all needle-resistant gloves offer the same level of protection. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) developed a standard, ANSI/ISEA 105, to classify levels of cut, puncture, and needle resistance.
Gloves are tested under the ASTM F2878 method, which specifically measures resistance to hypodermic needle punctures. Look for gloves with a high rating (Level 4 or 5) to ensure maximum protection.
Comfort and Dexterity: The gloves should be comfortable to wear for long periods and not inhibit your ability to manipulate objects. Gloves that are too bulky can reduce dexterity, making it difficult to handle small items or perform intricate tasks.
Material: The glove material should offer a balance of protection, comfort, and dexterity. Materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, SuperFabric, and Armortex are commonly used in needle-resistant gloves. Some gloves may also have a nitrile or polyurethane coating to provide additional protection and grip.
Fit: The gloves should fit snugly without being too tight. A proper fit helps maintain dexterity and ensures the gloves won't slip off during crucial moments. Most gloves come in a variety of sizes, and some manufacturers provide sizing charts to help you find the perfect fit.
Price: While protection and comfort are paramount, cost is also a factor. More expensive gloves often offer better protection and durability, but budget-friendly options can still provide a good level of needle resistance.
Durability and Longevity: Given the rough conditions police officers often work under, the gloves should be able to withstand regular use without losing their protective qualities. Gloves with reinforced palms and fingers offer increased durability.
Ease of Cleaning: Your gloves will likely get dirty, so easy cleanability is essential. Some gloves can be machine washed, while others require hand washing. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the gloves.
Touchscreen Compatibility: Many tasks in modern policing involve using touchscreen devices. Some needle-resistant gloves are made with special fingertips that allow you to use touchscreen devices without removing your gloves.
Before buying, it's a good idea to try on a few different pairs to see which ones best meet your needs. It's also helpful to read reviews from other law enforcement officers to get their firsthand experiences with the gloves.
Remember, your safety is paramount. While no glove can offer 100% protection against needlestick injuries, wearing needle-resistant gloves significantly reduces the risk, providing a vital line of defense in the unpredictable world of law enforcement.
Best Needle Resistant Gloves for Police
Below are our top-3 picks when it comes to needle resistant gloves for police searches and pat-downs.
Results are sorted by price (and protection level), from low to high.
HexBlue 2134: Offering ASTM F2878 Level 2 needle resistance on all areas, these gloves are an affordable choice ideal for general police duties where needlestick injuries are a possibility but not a daily concern.
HexArmor Ultra 4045: With Level 3 needle resistance on the fingertips and Level 2 on the palm, these gloves are a versatile option best suited for officers frequently engaged in high-risk situations, such as in-depth searches or evidence handling.
HexArmor Ultra 6044: Boasting top-notch Level 4 needle resistance on the fingertips, palm, and side of the hand, these gloves are an excellent choice for high-risk police operations, such as drug enforcement or handling biohazardous materials, where the risk of needlestick injuries is significant.
HexArmor 2134 Blue Series
Highlight: A strong, affordable option for officers needing basic needle protection, the HexBlue 2134 offers ASTM F2878 Level 2 needle resistance throughout, ensuring a good level of safety for general policing duties.
Key Features:
ASTM F2878 Level 2 needle resistance on palm of hand, fingertips, and back of hand
Comfortable and lightweight for long-wearing use
Reinforced stitching for enhanced durability
Can be machine washed
Review: The HexBlue 2134 gloves stand as a commendable choice for those seeking an affordable option without compromising on protection.
The glove's key strength is its Level 2 needle resistance rating across all key areas, making it capable of preventing most needlestick injuries.
This glove performs well in various conditions and activities, providing a reliable protective barrier during routine pat-downs and searches. With reinforced stitching, these gloves promise increased durability, a necessary trait given the harsh conditions often encountered in police work.
The gloves are also surprisingly comfortable and lightweight, an aspect appreciated by officers who wear them for extended periods. The HexBlue 2134 is machine washable, adding a level of convenience to the post-duty clean-up.
Why It's Recommended for Police Work:
Given their effective needle resistance, comfort, and durability, the HexBlue 2134 gloves are a solid choice for officers. The gloves provide an excellent balance between safety and affordability, making them ideal for departments operating on a tight budget.
HexArmor 4045 Ultra Series
Highlight: Combining a higher level of needle resistance on fingertips with good overall coverage, the HexArmor PointGuard Ultra 4045 gloves are a versatile choice for those frequently dealing with high-risk situations.
Key Features:
ASTM F2878 Level 3 needle resistance on fingertips, Level 2 on palm of hand
SuperFabric material offers superior cut and puncture resistance
Made with touchscreen-compatible technology
High dexterity design
Review: The HexArmor Ultra 4045 gloves go a step further in protective features. The enhanced Level 3 needle resistance on fingertips provides an increased measure of safety, especially crucial during pat-downs and searches where fingertips are often exposed to risk.
Constructed with SuperFabric material, these gloves offer superior cut and puncture resistance beyond just needle protection. The gloves are also touchscreen-compatible, a helpful feature for modern police officers frequently using digital devices during their work.
Despite the robust protection, the PointGuard Ultra 4045 gloves retain a high degree of dexterity. This aspect ensures officers can effectively perform tasks requiring precision and a delicate touch.
Why It's Recommended for Police Work:
The HexArmor PointGuard Ultra 4045 is well-suited for officers frequently dealing with risky situations. The enhanced protection on the fingertips, coupled with good overall needle resistance, makes these gloves a reliable choice for law enforcement activities.
HexArmor 6055 Ultra Series
Highlight: Boasting top-notch needle resistance ratings, the HexArmor PointGuard Ultra 6044 offers superior protection, making it an excellent choice for high-risk police operations.
Key Features:
ASTM F2878 Level 4 needle resistance on fingertips, palm, and side of hand
Features high-performance SuperFabric material
Touchscreen compatible
Reinforced stitching for extended durability
Review: The HexArmor Ultra 6044 stands at the forefront of needle-resistant gloves, providing exceptional Level 4 needle resistance across the most critical areas.
This level of protection makes the gloves a prime choice for officers frequently engaging in high-risk operations or those dealing with a significant risk of needlestick injuries.
Like its sibling, the 4045 model, the 6044 gloves are made from SuperFabric material, enhancing the overall cut and puncture resistance. They also come with touchscreen compatibility, a practical feature given the prevalence of digital tools in police work.
The gloves are designed with reinforced stitching, adding to their longevity and ensuring they can withstand the rigorous demands of policing. The gloves are comfortable enough for long-term use without compromising on dexterity, allowing officers to perform their tasks effectively.
Why It's Recommended for Police Work:
The HexArmor PointGuard Ultra 6044 gloves come highly recommended for police work, particularly in high-risk environments. The superior needle resistance coupled with high-quality construction and practical features makes these gloves a worthy investment in officer safety.
Conclusion
Whether you're on regular duty, handling evidence, or working in high-risk environments, the right pair of needle-resistant gloves can provide the crucial protection you need. In this post, we've broken down the key features to consider and provided reviews on three standout gloves, each with its unique strengths.
The HexBlue 2134 is an affordable yet reliable option for general duties. The Ultra 4045 offers increased protection, particularly on the fingertips, making it suitable for more high-risk tasks. And finally, the Ultra 6044, with its superior Level 4 needle resistance, offers the utmost protection for those frequently dealing with dangerous situations.
Choosing the right glove ultimately comes down to your specific needs and work environment. Each of these gloves provides an excellent defense against needlestick injuries, helping you stay safe as you keep our communities safe.
Remember, your safety equipment is an investment in your health and well-being, so choose wisely, and stay protected out there.
