Ray, from your mouth to the ears of ANY field adjuster. All must be aware that while they are out there attempting to assist and comfort the policyholder, there are also those that prey on the adjuster and their possessions.
I have been broken into (3) times in the past 5 years, loosing 2 laptops, several camers, a printer and lots of software. That being the case, i bought and installed a 4' x 4' stainless steel safe in the rear of the vechile, in which i keep the tools. Lots of them.
In addition , as you said, the location of the requisites, Louisville Slugger, 300,000 volt tazer and other necessities is always at the fingetips, IYGMM.
Please, ALL of the field people, staff or independent, CYA, cause no one else will do it.
As my attorney said many times, I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new... Albert Einstein"