I retired from law enforcement. The only flash light I could trust every time no matter how much It bounced around, rained on, got dropped etc. First choice was a Kel-lite. Don't think they make them anymore. They were made out of a piece of plumbing pipe and guaranteed for life. I still have mine. If you break it they fix them for free. The only thing that broke on mine was the switch and they replaced it. Mine is over 40 years old and still works. Second choice is Mag-lite. They hold up pretty well from a lot of abuse.
You do not have to hold a flash light in your hands. Hold it on your left shoulder, and tip your head down. That is because you need to write holding your cite book or clip board in your left hand and pen in your right hand. Unless you are left handed, or you can write things in the dark.
Just checked. Kel-lite does still make a flashlight. Check out site below. These flashlights and a couple of others mentioned were the only ones that would hold up for more than a couple of months under heavy duty use.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kel-Lite
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