Carrying A Torch......literally.

[Tilly2]

In films, when police are searching unlit properties, they always carry their torches with their hand over the top of the torch. When I use a torch, I hold it with my hand to the side.
Is it part of police training to hold the torch in that hand over top way?
If so, why? What's the advantage?

[Eve]

Possibly easier to use as a weapon if needed?

[Hopkirk]

What actors do in films isn't always what the professionals do.

[EDDIE51]

It may be as simple as not wanting the light from the torch to make the rest of the scene look too dark. A camera with automatic exposure control would underexpose the dark background because of the bright light from the torch.

[Tilly2]

I missed the important bit.
They also, steady the torch by resting it on the uplifted other arm. So both hands are used when carrying a torch.

It could just be an acting pose, Hoppy but all the law enforcement programmes show the same thing.

[Tilly2]

They don't shield the torchlight, Eddie.

I need to find a film clip to explain what I mean.

I'll have a look.

[EDDIE51]

There are torches for police and military use that are called 'tactical torches'.
Basically they are a strong torch with a heavy case that doubles up as a club or truncheon. That is how I imagine you would hold such a torch.

[Tilly2]

That's probably it, Eddie.


(There's never a policeman around when you need one. Where's Danny?)

[EDDIE51]

You can get arrested for carrying a 2 ft long metal tube, it is classed as a weapon. But if it has a bulb, battery and lights up , it is not a weapon it is a torch and it is quite legal to carry it.

[Buenchico]

A relevant thread here (even if it does refer to US cops):
http://www.instructables.com/answers/Why-do-Americans-hold-their-torches-in-that-/

[hc4361]

If I were in a dangerous, dark situation I would carry the torch as far away from my body as I possibly could. I imagine a gunman would fire either just below or just above the torch, depending on how high it was being carried

[Tilly2]

Thanks for all the answers.

[dannyk13]

Tilly, How we used to hold/use torches was up to the individual.The way the police are depicted in film and TV often bears no resemblance to fact.

[Tilly2]

Thanks, Danny. I think I have been watching too many FBI/special agent things where they are using the Harries technique, which I found out about using Chris' link.

I realise that depictions of police in drama are different from reality. That's the same with teachers.

[Zacs-Master]

You'll also notice that the torch is held away from the body. This is so that anyone shooting at the light source would have more chance of missing the torch bearer. Holding a torch over the top is more comfortable with your arm away from your body.

[Tilly2]

Not so here, Zac.

https://assets.americanrifleman.org/media/1531166/2040hl_harries_001_pg.jpg?preset=gallery