Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

You are the chief of a mid-sized city, with a population of about 250,000. Your department consists of 350 sworn officers.

Recently, a local billionaire has given a blind donation, with the stipulation that it be used for equipment only, and not, for example, salary increases.

You like your officers and want to give them the very best, but at the same time, you want to be a good steward of the money entrusted to you.

What would you issue to your hard working officers (you may add or remove categories as desired)?

Here's mine:

Take-home car: Dodge Charger (Dodge Magnum for special units, such as K-9 and Crime Scene)
Sidearm / BUG: Glock 22 / Glock 27
Patrol Rifle: Colt AR-15 in .223
Patrol Shotgun: Remington 870P Max
Handcuffs: ASP Tactical Handcuffs
Primary flashlight: Surefire 10X Dominator, with extra battery stick
Secondary (on body) flashlight: Streamlight Stinger LED
Back-up flashlight: Surefire A2 Aviator
Radio: Motorola XTS 3000
MDC / CAD: Custom built touch screen + Mini-ITX based computer, with open-source software. Would also include a PDA for remote access.
AED and related supplies

A b!tchload of Ice Cream.















If I got a random large amount of money I would leave it up to the officers. In my agency now, when it comes time for new cars you get a selection that is like, A crown vic, a charger, a magnum, an expedition, or an impala. You make a selection then the agency tells you when you can get it according to the budget. I would probably do something like that. As far as weaponry and tools go, I'd set some basic guidelines, but ultimately let officers carry whatever it is they want to carry.

RADAR / Laser units

Police Motorcycles

More K-9 units

Latptops for everyone

Handheld PDA's for motor officers

Binoculars

Night Vision equipment

Thermal Imaging

If I were the Chief, I would form a committee with members from patrol, investigations and support services. I would have them submit a "wish list" with proper justification of equipment necessary to best meet the department mission.

Secretaries, line officers, first line supervisors and a couple of command officers would be on the committee, but I would make the final decision on equipment based on the needs assessment and justification factors provided by a unified committee.

A new software program in Records may be more important than new guns or flashlights.

A new communications system may be more important than take home cars.

I know, I sound like a Chief, but that's what you asked. :o