Ever since the concept was first introduced in or around the 1930s, the use of tactical flashlights to aid the police and military in identifying targets before firing has saved countless lives and made the jobs of soldiers and officers much easier. Though now commonplace, when the use of these lights was first introduced it was a major tactical innovation. In the years since, tactical lighting has evolved greatly and now a variety of bulb, battery, and case technologies allow for one-handed or hands-free lighting in a number of greatly differing tactical situations.
Police Use
The original innovators of the tactical flashlight were police departments who needed an easy way to correctly identify suspects in low-light situations while still being able to fire a gun if necessary. Specialized tactical flashlights were developed that could easily be held along with a firearm, allowing officers to see clearly whatever the gun was pointed at. As tactical gear has improved over the years so have these lights; the majority of police-issue tactical flashlights make use of LEDs to allow them an unprecedented bulb life with minimal battery usage, while using...