Ref. handheld radios - I started in 1980 and a FEW were available to check out for the shift, but they were basically worn out, big, heavy and unreliable. You had to get to work about an hour early if you wanted one.

It was common prctice on a traffic stop to turn on the PA, loud, with routine radio traffic blaring as that was considered a psychological indicator to any suspects that other officers were close at hand.
Seems funny now - I recall difficulty conversing with drivers and occupants due to that darn PA being on.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275