Ever pondered what constables carry in the boot of their patrol cars?

Naturally, a police response vehicle would be equipped with all the necessary items an officer might require to handle any incident or disruption. The usual suspects might include handcuffs, barrier tape, a torch, and perhaps some radio equipment.

However, viewers were left scratching their heads after a Metropolitan Police officer revealed the contents of his car boot - particularly two unexpected items. Chris, from the Met, took to TikTok on the force's official page to share a peek into his patrol car's boot.

Among the items he showcased were traffic cones for road closures during accidents, traffic signs, blue lights, a first aid kit, and police tape for cordoning off crime scenes. He also displayed a 'stinger', a device used by police to halt vehicles by deflating their tyres, also known as spike strips or tyre deflation devices.

These items are undoubtedly essential for a police officer, whether they need to halt a vehicle during a pursuit or attend a crime scene. However, two items that left viewers bemused were a broom and a shovel.

One individual questioned: "Why shovel?" while another asked, "What's a broom going to do?" Others chimed in with similar queries: "Why do you need a shovel?" and "What will you use the broom for?" Many were perplexed, but some thought the reason for carrying a broom and shovel was self-evident. One respondent clarified: "Why are so many confused the broom and shovel is for cleaning debris."

Another offered a practical explanation: "Sweeping debris off the road after a collision."

This debate echoes a 2018 post by the Felixstowe and Woodbridge Police on X, who shared an inventory of items typically carried in a response vehicle, highlighting the array of equipment officers may need to respond effectively. The full list was as follows:

• Accident panels x2
• Arrow panels x2
• Slow panels x2
• Road closed panels x2
• Sign stands x2
• Red and white cones x5
• Blue flashing lamps x4
• Fire extinguisher x1
• Saw x1
• Shovel x1
• Broom x1
• Sealed first aid kit x1
• Map book x1
• Draeger breathalyser x1
• Sat nav x1
• Pegs for SOCO cones x2
• SOCO cones x2
• Blanket in bag x1
• Access card to police investigation centre x1
• Hard hats x2
• Safety glasses x1
• Ear plugs x1
• Spit hood x1
• Police scene tape x1
• Scene log x1
• Early evidence kit x1
• Hand swab kit x1
• Sexual offences kit or vehicle seat cover x1
• Bolt croppers x1
• Dog spray x1
• Emergency hammer x1
• Yellow spray can x1
• Safety knife x1
• Crowbar x1
• Knife container x1
• Smart water torch x1
• Disposable face mask x1
• Hand sanitiser x1
• Sharps box x1
• Heavy duty gloves x1
• Goggles x1
• Tape measure x1
• Escape hood x2