I rewatched today just to see what I thought I was talking about yesterday.

I do understand that there is a need for equipment. I depend on equipment to accomplish my job too. An EMT chimed in and likely needs more stuff than I do (a whole van full of stuff, sometimes). Anyway. I understand a need for what I see and what you mentioned. OC, handcuffs, pens, light, knife, gun, vest and so on. I've been there too..minus the handcuffs.

And you've given very practical reasons to have those things. I would agree that it's somewhat likely you probably do need all of those things in a given day. But nothing you've described explains why this guy looks like a goofball. If he needs handcuffs and a gun...then he's probably up close to people. He probably has a release for his holster...but then puts a knife right there on his chest. Having a light is important too. But having one "and and ready" in the daylight just seems more a deliberate show than practical. I've had a light on my shirt too, but only when on. Otherwise, lights seem to jump from molly loops, even in a light jog. Anyway, both of those things would be better served in a pocket. Like I said, you've given a reason...I just don't think it justifies it. You said

|taking the false tabs off license plates and similar practical uses

This, to me, seems very much like a low speed low threat situation. If he was a fastroper...hell yeah, you probably want your knife in your hand during that event. Popping a cap from a plate says "eh, I could probably leave the knife in the car"

And all of those things seem like a PITA when putting on and taking off a seat belt or working with a notebook.

as Far as militarization of police......that's a bit tricky. The military trains....all the time....for many different scenarios...to survive. Cops should too. I'm not saying probation officers shouldn't be equipped, trained, and protected. I'm saying this particular guy looks like the sort of guy who's spent a few nights playing games.