Blade Runner Holsters
Section IV: Introduction

Creating the LAPD Policeman Holster
By Phil Steinschneider

After identifying, in the late 1990s/early 2000s, the holster used as the basis for the Blade Runner Deckard holster, not much was done in regards to research into the holster employed by the uniformed LAPD officers seen in the film. Fortunately, a few fans have continued to investigate various items seen in the film, including this weapon holder. Based on research done into the origins of the Deckard holster, quite a bit of research material was on hand and available for review.

Since the production had gone to Safariland for the holster worn by Rick Deckard, it only made sense that the same thing would be done for the street cop units. Consequently, after looking at production photos and Safariland catalogs from the early 1980s, it became clear relatively quickly that there was only one most likely candidate: The Safariland 254 Duty Holster matches every image found in which this prop is visible.

Unlike the Deckard holster, which features a clamshell design with an integrated spring seen in the Safariland 1001 shoulder holster, the 254 has a more conventional law enforcement profile that was developed for people who carry a weapon on their hips all day and employ a firearm while also performing other duties. The belt loop is large, with an integrated steel plate that lifts the holster slightly away from the thigh, making it easier to move and draw the weapon from the device.