A security hood assembly for a holster includes a hood that is movably
supported in association with a holster body so that the hood extends
over a portion of a holstered handgun or other service item when the hood
in a closed position, to prevent unauthorized removal of the service
item. A lever may be operably coupled to the hood for driving the hood
toward an open position, to allow the service item to be removed from the
holster. In some embodiments, a latch mechanism releasably engages when
the hood is in the closed position to prevent the hood from being opened
through direct manipulation of the hood. The hood is preferably formed of
a substantially rigid material, such as injection molded plastic.
Holsters including the security hood assembly may also include internal
retention devices, hood biasing mechanisms, and electronic devices
responsive to opening of the hood.