ILEA or Northwest? Either way, tell him congrats from me, and welcome to the shitshow!

I bought myself a Springfield EMP4 when I graduated...not for work, just for fun. Had some decent cash built up from being down there for 16 weeks and not spending money on anything else.

A quality flashlight is a good idea, or a good pocket knife or backup gun. If you're going to get him something to use for work, pay attention to what he's issued by his department and try to fill in the gaps. Maybe have some conversations with him about it and try to gauge what he foresees to have to buy for himself...then get him something better that what he's looking at.

Hey Valpo, I worked for Burns Harbor PD in the early 80s. I don't know why Valpo picked us but we were contracted to guard the popcorn float every year the night before the parade.
Fun times

A lead sap?

(I know, against policy.)

quote:

Originally posted by Valpo Fz:
Thanks for the input guys.

So what did you decide on? Just a gift bag with a multi-tool, small spare light, extra pair of cuffs, and backup/off duty gun?

Cover his first year of professional liability insurance if that is not provided by another entity (FOP, union, etc.)

I think it is going to be a grab bag of items with a gift certificate. I will probably go in on a bug later once he decides and has a little time in. His dept Carrie’s G17’s so I’ll wait and see if he wants something like a G26 or a small snub nose. I am still waiting on his college graduation present they have been back ordered since Nov. I also think the picture idea is great.

Keep his head down, eyes open and get through his probationary period. In today’s climate that advice is a great present.

A quality pair of sunglasses is a great gift.

Another idea would be a good patrol bag. It is unlikely he will have his own car for awhile and will need to be able to haul all his shit.

Quality socks and footwear.

Good luck to him. January marks 20 years for me. I’d not do this again, given the choice and hindsight.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rangemaster, April 12, 2022 09:44 PM

My dad got me a 2.5 inch Model 66 when I graduated the academy.

All of the smaller ideas are great. Starting out 20 years ago with no prior knowledge of what I needed other than what was issued these things would have been great.

Also a BOX of the pocket notebooks, a good duty bag for the passenger seat when it becomes empty. Under Armour heat/cold gear depending where he is at, that stuff adds up quick. One thing I need when uniform allowance gets refilled is some good binoculars. The ones rolling around the patrol car just don't cut it. Good Luck to him, stay safe.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

Valpo-
Take a Picture of him on his first day walking out the door to go to work!
Trust me on this one!

27 years later and I still look at it with fond memories!

My buddy took a photo of me and two other guys, at our graduation and it’s pretty cool to see that picture compared to my last day.

Gerber multi tool.

quote:

Originally posted by CPD SIG:
Valpo-
Take a Picture of him on his first day walking out the door to go to work!
Trust me on this one!

27 years later and I still look at it with fond memories!

That’s awesome, we are going to do some type of picture. 5 years in the Marine Corps ages him we will see how police work does, haha

Just wanted to update those that answered. I got him a Leatherman, small 100 lum stylus pocket light and a Dunkin Dounuts gift card. The Grand Rapids Chief travelled to my sons graduation and he was the only one going to GRPD. The Chief seemed like a solid guy and travelled over 2 hours each way. Some of the other Departments that were closer didn’t show up for their graduates.

My son had his badge pinned on by his father in law a retired Captain from the Macomb County Sheriff’s office.

Thank You everyone for all the advice and suggestions, I will be getting him monthly gift bags till we get him kitted out.

quote:

Dunkin Dounuts gift card.

I love it!

The last day of academy, the cafeteria (which had served up some absolutely horrific food the whole time we were there) had donuts for us for breakfast. It was like a right of passage .

Back up/ off duty gun

A good folding knife. Not too good though. There is a great chance he'll lose it or break it.

A good patrol bag (maybe 5.11)

I've lost roughly 10K handcuff keys

A good flashlight (maybe Streamlight?). Then buy him a backup one also from when the first one breaks or gets lost.

A nice frame for his Oath of Office to hang on his wall.

A good set of Binos

If he's not P&P to death he'll probably change gear six times in his first ten years until he finds the gear he likes. Then he'll get pissed off when they stop manufacturing it

Since I did not see one mentioned, how about a good tough watch, G-Shock, Marathon, Sinn......

I bought my son a Fenix PD25 flashlight and gave him my various sets of cuffs and numerous keys