I started with a small sheriff's department in 1976. I was issued some uniforms and a badge. Had to provide my own revolver (I used a M27 converted to .44 Special) and leather. Very few walkie-talkies; back-up at night was miles away or might even come from the next county over. Pay was loow.

Went to a medium sized police department. I was issued a breast badge and a hat badge. Had to buy my own uniforms and provide a handgun and leather. The city gave us $50, which paid for the raincoat. Everything else was payroll deducted. The good thing was that I could get guns paid for via payroll deduction. I bought a couple of M28s, a M25-5, and a M24-3 that way.

Sidearm selection was good. The policy was .38, 9mm, or BIGGER. I carried mostly .44 Specials or .45s-both .45 Colt and .45 ACP-pistol and revolver.

My department had portable radios that plugged into the dash. You could unplug it when you left the car, but don't drop it or you had no radio then. These were GEs and were so-so in quality.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!