TexasCHLforum.com

nightmare69 wrote:Thank you so much Excaliber.

My pleasure!

nightmare69 wrote:Thoughts on these Safariland Level 3 holsters?

https://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.as ... AF-6365-XX" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.galls.com/safariland-7ts-736 ... 5h4bvldV1M" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, what is the STX finish look like?

I'm going to go nylon on my duty rig, what are some good brands of nylon that will last?

You can't go wrong with either of those.

Try to see them in person at a place like GT Distributors and see how you like the mechanisms.

You should also look into a drop plate option that brings it a bit lower below the belt. Sometimes the high rides don't play well with jackets in cool weather.

You can find the scoop on Safariland duty gear finishes here.

I found both Bianchi and Safariland nylon gear to be solid and durable. I really like Bianchi's Accumold products. They're a couple dollars more, (literally) but I think more durable and better looking than the standard grade.

nightmare69 wrote:Thanks guys. Il look into a level 3 either from galls or go distributers.

Last time I looked, the Safariland Level III's were the best made and the most instinctive to operate. That last bit is really important.

For holsters with an optional shield to protect the release lever, you want to take that option.

I'm a big advocate of Level 3 holsters for law enforcement.

You may not understand why until you've rolled around on the ground a few times with someone who's bigger, stronger, and crazier than you trying to take your gun.

mojo84 wrote:

sbrawley wrote:As told from a former LT. of mine, "the goal is going home exactly the same way as you came on-all in one piece" Stay safe and Good Luck.

That's all that matters.

Not quite.

The condition you left the people you swore to protect in should take precedence over officer safety.

When this is not the case, bad things happen.

gigag04 wrote:Yeah it is federal law that prevents off duty carry in a school. Good luck prosecuting though.

Same thing with post offices.

Personally I wouldn't sweat it.

I"m not an attorney, but as I read the penal code, a commissioned law enforcement officer can lawfully carry a handgun in a school on or off duty:

Sec. 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):

(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution;

Sec. 46.15. NONAPPLICABILITY.

(a) Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to:

(1) peace officers or special investigators under Article 2.122, Code of Criminal Procedure, and neither section prohibits a peace officer or special investigator from carrying a weapon in this state, including in an establishment in this state serving the public, regardless of whether the peace officer or special investigator is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer's or investigator's duties while carrying the weapon;

nightmare69 wrote:Made a 93 on my TCOLE test. On my way to be sworn in.

Congratulations again - you're on your way!

gigag04 wrote:Maybe but ours were such a dark shade of navy it wasn't noticeable. I only did it on outward facing parts of cuff cases that would get torn up from the car seat. A little bit goes a long way.

I haven't tried this, but black leather dye might reduce the ruboff problem.

gigag04 wrote:Nylon gear is significantly more functional, tactical (less reflective and more quiet), and lighter. It is also more comfortable if you run an inner/outer belt combo that Velcros together.

Leather is sharper looking - when it is properly maintained. That takes constant attention. Its advantages stop there.

Nylon is more flexible, comes in padded belt versions that really make a difference when your belt weights 12 pounds, and can be cleaned by throwing it in the sink, mixing in some dishwashing liquid, and using a scrub brush to get the mud out of everything. The three button clasps are hard for a suspect to open quickly, and the nylon looks great after years of use with just an occasional washing after a groundfight in the mud. It's the way to go if the department allows it.

mojo84 wrote:Excaliber, I have several friends that are moving away from leather and going to high quality nylon or whatever it is. They say it is lighter and easier on their bodies due to it being lighter. Any thoughts or recommendations for the future officer in this regard?

Yes.

Nylon is the way to go!

It's lighter, more comfortable, easier to maintain, doesn't care about getting wet, doesn't need to be polished, doesn't crack - what's not to like?

Congratulations!!

GT Distributors and Galls are two of the best sources for police gear.

Buy the best gear you can. It's the cheapest way to go because you won't have to replace it every year or two and it does the job better than any of the lower end stuff which will fail at the worst possible time and will never perform the way you want it to.

The difference between Uncle Mike's and Bianchi / Safariland / Galco is huge.

nightmare69 wrote:Thanks guys. If all goes well I should have a job this time next week. You think in the interview with the sheriff I should tell him I'm ready for SWAT and or undercover K9 position?

Not exactly.

But you should be prepared to answer the question: "How do you see your career developing in this department over time?"

This gives the interviewer insight into whether he's hiring a 20 year patrol officer, an investigator, or a future captain or chief deputy.

Think about this one carefully. It's one you should answer for yourself before you're asked about it by others.

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off.

Now prayers for a quick hire into a great career.

WildBill wrote:

nightmare69 wrote:Thanks guys. Last day of class is tomorrow, Friday graduation, next Tuesday TCOLE test. Assuming I pass I will be done and can finally go to work.

I got an interview tomorrow with a local SO for what I'm assuming is a jailer position. I also got a call about a temp, part time position(32hrs a week)working patrol out at a local lake working through the Sheriff dept from now till labor day. Im going to give each agency consideration but if I get the chance to jump right into badge vs work in the jail for who knows how long the choice will be easy. Part time doing the job I went to school for vs full time being a jailer. Im not going to commit to anything if they offer me a job tomorrow, Ill just respectfully tell them that I have another interview lined up that I need to consider. Thought?

IMO being upfront and honest is the way to go.

I agree with WildBill. It doesn't pay to try to be clever with police agencies - it comes across as deceptive and will hurt your chances. They'll respect someone who says he's looking at another position that lets him go directly into patrol and comparing that to what they have to offer. Being upfront pays off.

If I were in your situation, I would take the patrol position. It's what you want to do, it gives you the inside track on a full time patrol position with the same agency, and it positions you to take a full time patrol position with another agency with some patrol experience instead of new academy graduate with jailer experience. For me that wouldn't be a hard decision. I'd also look for another nearby agency that's looking for a one or two shift per week fill in position to gain more experience and help keep the finances where they need to be.