Form box carry case?

[CRQuarto]

So, I start patrol training in August, and I've run into an issue. I've had my form box set up already, but I hate how cheap the plastic boxes are that you see at the usual office supply stores. I've already had two break over the years, and that was with light use while doing ride alongs, so I can imagine that these things will have a hard time surviving the coming abuse. Has anyone found a way to carry this stuff that has a shoulder strap, or a soft case I can drop this box in? Anything?

I know Galls has a bag that has the ability to use hanging files in it plus it functions as a war bag, but while on training it won't be large enough for the dead body I'll be carrying.

[CBR_rider]

Why don't you put your forms in a soft/flexible filing folder inside of your bigger bag?

[CRQuarto]

I can't seem to find one that will work. Too many forms and not enough space. Totally open to suggestions though!

[shakes88]

I used an accordian style multiple file thing for my storing my forms. I kept the one's I used most frequently more handy in my form box/clip board.

I'm a bit surprised by the plastic ones crapping out on you with little abuse. I had one just like this one make it through a 2 week marksman/observer field training plus daily use for about 3 months now.

Hopefully you find something that works!

[Petro6golf]

What Shakes88 said. I use the 511 tactical patrol bag (just a big nylon duffle bag). Inside I use a brown accordion style thick cardboard thingy with about 20 different slots to put forms in it. I haven't bought a posse box yet. Some guys just use a posse box and fill it up every shift

[Samuelx]

Like Shakes, I used a couple of the biggest (most slots) accordion style organizers I could find at Staples/Office Depot. One was strictly for forms (everything I could find + extras) and the other one was for reference/brainbook materials. Those were kept in a duffel bag along with a thomas guide map book, penal/vehicle code books, extra cite books, and anything else paper related. Posse box up front kept the most commonly used stuff and a few booking packets rtg.

Btw, you're not in #232 or 233, are you?

[CRQuarto]

This is what I'm using, I need something I can stuff this into that has a shoulder strap, or something similar to this box that has a shoulder strap:

http://www.officedepot.com/mb/skupage.do?skuid=128585

I don't know. Ill have to take another look at the accordion type. It just didn't seem large enough. Ugh. Very frustrating.

Yes, I'm in patrol school #232 "B".

[CRQuarto]

Obviously any fellow LASD folks here who have been through patrol training would know better than I the amount of forms needed, so any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[Samuelx]

Gonna PM you in a bit...

[CBR_rider]

I agree that while in training and even on probation you should make sure you have EVERY possible form you may need on patrol. However, I would assume that several (ie, 5-10) copies of said forms should fit inside a small, accordion type container inside of your patrol bag. And if you have the PC/VC apps on your smart phone, you probably don't need ginormous PC and VC books. If you are dead set on another bag for forms, why don't you just get two accordion style folders and put both of them in a messenger or laptop style bag? I have no idea how/why you think you will wear them out so fast... I am using two (one for my copies of cites, another for paperwork) that were handed down to me from another officer many, many moons ago.

[CRQuarto]

Sorry, must be a bit of confusion. The form boxes I wore out were the hard plastic ones I posted a link to above. By wore out I mean the handles snapped off, or they cracked and broke. I've not used the brown accordion style ones yet as I wasn't sure if everything would fit in them. I like your idea though for sticking two in a small bag. I have a couple more weeks to figure something more efficient than what I'm using now, so I'm up for ideas! Thanks everyone so far for the advice and suggestions.

[mixicus]

Most of the guys use either an accordian style folder with multiple slots or a 3-ring binder with clear sleeves. Both are low cost-high value solutions available at Office Depot/Staples. Both options hold multiple copies of 20+ forms.

The senior guys carry a few common forms and call over a younger officer for the rest.

[Samuelx]

Hey CR,

I just talked to my buddy who gifted me my expandable file folders. He said he got them at Target - dunno if they still carry them, I don't see them on the Target website. The ones I have are about 30 pockets each with a base of 3" non-expanded (I think it expands to like 8" or so). They are mostly plastic construction with a fabric trim, have a flip over cover with a carry handle and a plastic squeeze type closure clip/buckle. Handles and buckles do break but since I left them in the duffel bag, it really didn't make a difference.

I used my smart phone most of the time but I recommend that you have hard copies (e.g. VC/PC books, maps) available as well ("two is one, one is none"). I also had the majority of my forms saved on my laptop but again, you should have paper and writing utensils - it's rare that a TO will allow you to type your reports out on the MDC, on a laptop, or at the station while you're on training.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...oL._SY300_.jpg (kinda like this but more capacity)

http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/338..._File_with.jpg (like this but wider at the bottom)

http://www.cathedralproducts.com/search.asp (look at "expanding file case" or "expanding file box")