Police Sidearm Leash?

Question

Why is it that in Europe, almost every officer has a leash on their weapon while in the U.S. that has never really caught on?

What are the pros and cons of one?

Answer 1

The main argument for it is retention, the best argument against it is that it could get in the way when attempting a quick shot.

Most holsters made now have multiple retention features in them, making the leash obsolete.

Leashes are becoming popular with tactical flashlights, mainly for the reason of retention while using both hands to control a subject or to shoot.

Answer 2

IN THE EARLY DAYS PISTOLS WERE WORN WITHOUT A STRAP DOWN.
WHEN AN OFFICER RAN AFTER SOMEONE THE WEAPON COULD DISLODGE ITSELF AND DROP TO THE GROUND.
THIS MAY OR MAY NOT CAUSE A MISFIRE? BUT DEFINATELY WOULD STOP THE CHASE. OR THE OFFICER FIND THEMSELVES WITHOUT A WEAPON UPON FINAL CONFRONTATION.
THE DEVICE IS KNOW AS A LANYARD AND WAS USED TO SECURE A WEAPON DURING A CHASE. IT IS ALSO USED AS A DECORATION AND DISPLAY OF AN ORNAMENTAL DESIGN FOR THE UNIFORMED OFFICER.
TODAY WE HAVE STRAPDOWNS ON A PISTOL HOLSTER. THESE STRAPDOWNS SECURE THE WEAPON IN PLACE, UNLESS IT IS TO BE DRAWN FOR USE. THEN A QUICK FLICK OF THE SNAP OR VELCROE DEVICE IS DONE TO UNHOLSTER THE WEAPON.
IN THE 1980'S, A BREAKFREE DESIGN BECAME VERY POPULAR WITH HOLSTER DESIGNS.

LANYARDS HAD BEEN WORN IN THE US AND WERE INCORPORATED IN THE MILITARY MP'S UNTIL THE LATE 1970'S.
THE PROBLEM WITH A LANYARD IS IT CAN BECOME ENTANGLED WITH THE HOLSTER AND SHORTEN YOUR EFFECTIVENESS TO DRAW THE WEAPON TO YOUR FIRING POSITION DESIRED. ALSO WHEN CHANGING FROM A LEFT HAND TO A RIGHT HAND FIRING POITION, IT IS VERY CUMBERSOME. IF YOU WERE DOWN AN A PARTNER NEEDED TO USE YOUR WEAPON WELL GOOD LUCK.

Answer 3

In Europe, they believe that it helps prevent losing their weapon. In the US the quality of the holster is the main means of retaining the weapon. These leashes are called lanyards and go back to the days of military cavalry, where they were essential.