Equipment

[nasty_b]

Hey,

I was just wondering if police officers are issued equipment from their departments, or if they have to buy all their own equipment. And since some of you I think buy you own (ive seen threads), is it because the equipment issued by the department isnt the greatest? Just curious....thanks

[jakflak]

Most of the equipment is supplied, but some needs to be purchased by the officer.

[jricks]

Equipment issuance depends entirely on the agency. My department (a small municipal agency) issues all equipment upon hire, except shoes.

Glock model 22 and 27
all leather
asp
cuffs
oc
uniforms (class A and B)
radio
stinger flashlight
Badges, nametag, collar brass, etc.

The sherrif's department in the county does not issue a weapon or shoes, but does issue everything else.

[OffDuty]

We get issued most of what we need. We get a set of uniforms, body armor, weapons (including OC & Taser) and such.

I purchase some things my own (like my vest) due to the fact that the equipment is often decent, but there is something more or better that will be of a more useful benefit. Like my flashlight. I carry one on the belt to be always with me, vs. carrying the one in the car.

I have upgraded the lighting in my car to add some LEDs for safety reasons, as well as I think they look neat. Things like that. In short, I think most paid sworn officers will get issued the stuff, but other times there are things that departments wont pay for too.

[Sleuth]

This come under the heading: How much is your life worth? Even when they issued us guns, I bought extra ammo so I could shoot more. Carried my own gear most of my career - it's all tax deductable, and it's my life!