Self Sponsored Academy Gear Question

[bridgeport]

Glock. Never go wrong with a Glock.

Bianchi Accumold Elite is used by a lot of the guys here that stick with the B/W look. I use Bianchi Accumold Ergo-Tek. Solid stuff. Lasts a long time too.

In the past two years, I have seen three glock pistols self destruct, a .40 and two 9's, one of which was in my hands.

[code33]

Nope, unless you're already sworn in, it has to be a rostered gun and they will swap the large caps with 10-rounders.

I will have to check out LC Action. I wonder if I can buy a Gen 4 this way. Thanks for the info.

[NorCalPatriot]

check your registration paperwork

I attended both BAM II and III at South Bay within the last 2 years. When you register and pay your fee's, they will provide you with documentation that lists all required gear. Pay attention to what the paperwork says... you will soon learn that attention to detail begins immediately. Attend the academy orientation (I think it's mandatory) in business attire and take notes. If you have questions, ask the staff before your class starts.

Go to LC action, Summit, or 10-8 police supply and check out the different types of leather/synthetic leather gear. Get to know it as you'll be wearing it for the entire duration of your academy attendance. I prefer a real leather garrison (under) belt and duty belt (Sam Browne) and the rest of the gear from safariland. It's really your personal preference, but I think the safariland stuff is more rugged and looks better then the accumold stuff.

Your sidearm purchase should also be based on what feels best when you do some test shooting at a local range. Most of the recruits in my classes used a glock 17 or 22, with a good number of sig 226 9mm/40cal, with the occasional smith m&p 9/40, Berreta 92 in 9/40, or random HK. All ammo will be supplied by the academy so you dont have to purchase your own unless you want to practice on your own time. There are a ton of holsters out there to choose from as well. I used a safariland 070 level III throughout the academy and when I was finally hired this year, was issued a safariland 6365. Which ever holster you choose, you absolutely have to practice drawing from it. The range staff is excellent. RO's Hooper, Nolen, Mendiola, and other assorted SJPD rangemasters are top notch and will teach you the basics. Pay attention to ALL of the safety rules. The quickest way to get booted from the academy is to f*ck up during range and violate a safety rule. Listen to everything and do what you're told to do.

The academy at south bay is no joke. The staff wants you to be successful and will "motivate" you. They will instill the basic core framework for you to become an officer. You have to want to be there. You will be challenged academically, mentally, and physically. The TO's are hard for a reason, and director Bradshaw is a hard charger.

You need to remember a few things; The academy is a team environment but also an individual one. Stand out as a team player as well as an individual. You need to show up every day prepared for anything. Your uniform should be ironed (with creases), boots and leather gear polished, and firearm clean. You should be prepared for a suprise inspection at ANY time. When the TO's tell you to study something or you "might want to know" something you can count on being asked. The team or squad you are with will be inspected as a group. If you have screw-off's in your group, they will be singled out at first, then the entire team will become accountable as well. Study hard and be willing to help out other recruits that struggle. Be accountable for your actions. Integrity and honesty are the core values of law enforcement. Remember, you are being watched, evaluated, and critiqued the minute you pull into the parking lot until the time you drive off. This information will be passed onto your background investigator in the event you are lucky enough to reach that phase of the testing process.

Law enforcement is a great career. I was lucky enough to be hired as a level II reserve officer for an east bay city a few months ago and can honestly say it's one of the greatest accomplishments in my life right up there with becoming a parent, getting married, and graduating college.

Feel free to IM me offline if you have any specific questions. Good luck!

NCP