What you may not think of...

You know...I got sworn in December and all I could think about was having a duty belt with a gun, handcuffs and case for it, flashlight and the case for it, as well as the other crap we carry and I wanted the right boots on my feet to carry me through. We fret over all the cool toys we get to carry...but make sure you have the most used tools...a pen and a small notebook full of clean sheets of paper.

Ok, I am from a Northern state so make sure you have long johns, a good pair of gloves, and thermal socks. Wheeew weee it can get cold! Also, in the summer time, make sure you have on a cotton t-shirt or better yet, a tank top. It gets friggin' hot out there in the sun with a flack jacket on. Get a good pair of sunglasses too.

You can't do your job that well if you're freezing your ass off or falling over from heat exhaustion. You certainly can't write a good report with out having all the right information written down. It ain't all about your leather gear, gun, baton, and handcuffs. Don't worry about that so much as making sure you are comfortable on duty by having the right "gear".

"Is your number still 911?" - Ofc. Rachel T.

RE: What Gear Do I Need?

You're right on Rachel T. A good notebook, pen, a good heart, and good common sense still goes a long way and will resolve most calls for service. I would also recommend a good, small, belt carried flashlight for day and night shift officers.

the other duty gear...

You're right on the flashlight Yar....

I carry a small flashlight and my deparment issued one. You can never have enough flashlights. Especially if you're clearing a large building. If your dept. issued one goes dead (or your tactical light on your gun) at least you have another back up light to get you through. You don't want to be in the middle of clearing a building at night and have your only flashlight go dead on ya. Major bummer.

I find that sometimes I prefer my small flash light to the larger dept one, so having another size for certain jobs makes it easier.

"Is your number still 911?" - Ofc. Rachel T.