View Full Version : Gift for a police academy graduate
My girlfriends sister will graduate from the academy next month. I'm trying to decide what to get her. Could use some ideas from you guys who are LEO etc. Something useable that she may not get herself or sentimental. Any ideas?
Great-Kazoo
11-07-2012, 12:27
Money towards a vest if their dept does not provide, or offers a stipend.
She's got that covered. I was thinking a good knife or Glock mags. I'm pretty sure her uniform and belt etc are good to go
SA Friday
11-07-2012, 12:29
If they are issuing crappy S&W handcuffs, get her a nice set of Peerless ones.
A blow out kit and tuition to cmilliards class
If they are issuing crappy S&W handcuffs, get her a nice set of Peerless ones.
I'm actually not sure if they issue them or not. Or even what brand
SA Friday
11-07-2012, 12:38
She's got that covered. I was thinking a good knife or Glock mags. I'm pretty sure her uniform and belt etc are good to go
A good knife isn't a bad idea either. Spyderco makes a police model that I carried on the job for years.
Big Wall
11-07-2012, 12:41
A blow out kit and tuition to cmilliards class
This would be a perfect gift.
ruthabagah
11-07-2012, 12:53
A Lamar donuts gift card?
If they are issuing crappy S&W handcuffs, get her a nice set of Peerless ones.
A good knife isn't a bad idea either. Spyderco makes a police model that I carried on the job for years.
http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/GunnerCOAR15/spyderco-police.jpg
This guy?
A Lamar donuts gift card?
[ROFL1]
I would say a duty bag or Posse Box... [Beer][PoPo]
A Lamar donuts gift card?
I actually am doing that
SA Friday
11-07-2012, 13:35
http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/GunnerCOAR15/spyderco-police.jpg
This guy?
Yep. I still have it. I think they made one with a plastic handle at one time too.
OneGuy67
11-07-2012, 14:33
A nice surefire light. You can get it engraved if you want. It can be carried on her duty belt or in a pocket.
-Some safariland duty gear/holder/holster/pouch IF they do not cover
-boots/shoes
-knife
-back support for cruiser
-duty bags
-kevlar gloves
-medical gloves
-cell phone pouch for belt
-etc
sbouslog
11-07-2012, 14:55
Spyderco makes a great switchblade that is only open to LE. Get her that one! My buddy who is a cop has one and loves it.
I suggest a digital voice activated tape recorder, it will save her alot of aggravation!
Geology Rocks
11-07-2012, 16:50
What agency?
snichols28
11-07-2012, 17:42
If they are issuing crappy S&W handcuffs, get her a nice set of Peerless ones.
...or if they are issuing crappy Peerless cuffs, get her some nice S&W cuffs. Friends don't let friends use Peerless cuffs.
kidicarus13
11-07-2012, 17:52
Get her something unique... http://www.quiqlite.com/
A good knife isn't a bad idea either. Spyderco makes a police model that I carried on the job for years.
...and i happen to be a Spyderco dealer. PM me for discounts. ETA: I am also a registered "Special products" dealer for them, so if you want restricted items (auto opening), I can get them as well...
Eggysrun
11-07-2012, 18:55
A good leatherman?
...or if they are issuing crappy Peerless cuffs, get her some nice S&W cuffs. Friends don't let friends use Peerless cuffs.
No joke! I got issued Peerless and they are super crap. I like S&W cuffs much better.
If she is into ink you could always pay for her to get a sentimental piece. That's what I asked for.
No joke! I got issued Peerless and they are super crap. I like S&W cuffs much better.
.
Agreed, S&W are way better than peerless IMO.
An engraved spyderco would be a nice gift
She has a surefire light i saw it in her duty belt when i was up there last. Her dad said she has peerless cuffs. Im not sure if she has a knife
Seriously.... BUG?
Ok maybe not so serious. That would be an awful nice gift I suppose.
SA Friday
11-07-2012, 21:21
...or if they are issuing crappy Peerless cuffs, get her some nice S&W cuffs. Friends don't let friends use Peerless cuffs.
My peerless cuffs have lasted going on 15 years. I've had two different pairs of S&W jam with keys in them and had to be cut off. Never again.
Seriously.... BUG?
Ok maybe not so serious. That would be an awful nice gift I suppose.
Whats a BUG?
SA Friday
11-07-2012, 21:28
Whats a BUG?
Back
Up
Gun
Back
Up
Gun
Oh thank you!
Im not that rich. anyone have a HiPoint? [Coffee]
james_bond_007
11-07-2012, 21:37
A Lamar donuts gift card?
She's just a new graduate...and probably not ready for "hardcore field training" yet.
May need to start with other stereotypes:
1) Plant Weapon - never can have too many
2) Swiss Bank Account - need someplace safe to bank the bribes
3) "How to display an attitude without really trying" - bestseller book
I jest (just trying to expand on the doughnut humor without crossing any lines) , ...but seriously folks.[Coffee]
1) Nice quality personalized Range bag (department logo and name embroidered)
2) Tactical Pen
3) Surefire LED Flashlight
4) Leatherman Multi-tool
5) Kevlar gloves
Edit: Sorry for the repeats...I started the post earlier and just finished it.
onebadfx4
11-07-2012, 22:46
When I graduated from our training academy, I received a very nice set of S&W hingecuffs that were engraved with my grad date and a personal message. Couldnt have been happier.
Second would be a streamlight pen light. Fits in the pen holder on your shirt. Comes in pretty handy.
lead_magnet
11-08-2012, 02:19
+1 on the streamlight pen light, but I would go for the UV model, works good for checking money, and certain state ID's have hidden UV security images in them. Many uses and wont break the bank.
And just to join in on the fist fight ... Yep Peerless>S&W cuffs. S&W anything can @#*$ a @*#$ one. :p
Slapjack! [LOL]
(kidding)
A Lamar donuts gift card?
Wrong... There is nothing hotter than a sexy cop.
See what she needs for work. If she needs nothing just ask what she might want.
josh7328
11-08-2012, 06:27
If it were me, I wouldn't want any gear gifts. I figure that it will either be issued to me or I can buy gear based on my needs I may discover after gaining experience down the road. Why not just a nice dinner and drinks to celebrate? [Beer]
Liability insurance.
I don't know Colorado law, but this is where I shop - http://www.wrightusa.com/products/federal-employee-professional-liability/
Richard K
11-08-2012, 09:42
Maybe it's been mentioned but a nice Cross pen and pencil set to match her shield (gold or chrome). A good knife is always useful as well.
funkymonkey1111
11-08-2012, 09:56
i saw this the other day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8c6h5gdBKE
5.11 women's pant with "drop tail"
Or, a copy of the constitution.
james_bond_007
11-08-2012, 10:54
i saw this the other day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8c6h5gdBKE
5.11 women's pant with "drop tail"
Or, a copy of the constitution.
Didn't the Navy and Marines get in trouble a few years back for Operation "Drop Tail"?
...oh sorry, that was Operation "Tail Hook"[Beer]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tailhook_scandal
james_bond_007
11-08-2012, 11:25
i saw this the other day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8c6h5gdBKE
5.11 women's pant with "drop tail"
Or, a copy of the constitution.
This would be for OFF duty, right ?
Won't she have issued UNIFORM pants for duty ?
I'm partial to the Kevlar Gloves...probably not something that would be issued (typically use plastic or blue latex gloves, right)?
...and i happen to be a Spyderco dealer. PM me for discounts. ETA: I am also a registered "Special products" dealer for them, so if you want restricted items (auto opening), I can get them as well...
Pm sent
I'm not sure what she is issued and can or cannot wear. Or even uniform color
Geology Rocks
11-08-2012, 12:55
Thats why I asked what agency. :)
Pm sent
And replied [Beer]
What can you all tell me about watches? Are there restrictions brands types etc?
Back
Up
Gun
That's what it's called when you originally give it to them. After a few years it becomes a TDG. [ROFL2]
That's what it's called when you originally give it to them. After a few years it becomes a TDG. [ROFL2]
After a few years on the job you should have accumulated a few TDGs. Get with the program [BooHoo]
JM Ver. 2.0
11-14-2012, 14:36
What can you all tell me about watches? Are there restrictions brands types etc?
Not all agencies have the same policies... So no one can answer that question without knowing were she's hired on to.
JM Ver. 2.0
11-14-2012, 14:52
JEFFCO
I don't know their policies.. But a general rule of thumb.. Black is never against the rules. Metal Bands suck. Digital is faster.
Plus, since she's going to be starting in the jail, you can rule out anything patrol related. That includes the back up gun.
Best thing you could do for her, REALLY good boots. She's going to be on her feet for hours at a time on a cement floor. The 5-11 boots REALLY REALLY SUCK. DO NOT get her those. They're nice for about 3 months then they go to shit. Mine kill my feet.
Posse box, also not needed.
Again, without knowing their policies, I can't reccomend a bag. I have a big ass 5-11 "war bag" that I take in with me. Has all my training stuff, supplements, meds, extra pens, crap like that. I never used to have one, now that I do, life is easier.
If they issue the same shitty radio holders that Adams does get her a new one. The ones we have are just a metal box lookin thing. They don't actually hold the radio in.
Adams has a policy that says Deputies can't wear black gloves during shift unless they're doing something that calls for it.. Pat downs, shakes, cell inspections, ect... They do come in handy though.
Pes Pens Pens Pens Pens... Cops are the worst theives I've ever met.. If it's not chained down or marked with a Sergeant or above's name.. It'll get jacked. Pens and lunches are the most often "borrowed".
I'm sure she already knows from the Academy, but, Under Armour shirts are a must. Cotton under the vest = the suck.
Good socks are just as important as good boots...
I don't know what they issue, but Streamlight makes a badass LED flashlight... The ones Adams issues now don't have the end cap button. If you buy her one, make sure it does. I bought one for my buddy when he went to patrol. They cost a little over $100.
I would avoid getting her anything too "high speed" since she's new. The old timers will laugh. Like the new guy we just hired.. He showed up with SIX mags on his belt... SIX... He now carries two...
After a few years on the job you should have accumulated a few TDGs. Get with the program [BooHoo]
I'll get back with you in a few years when I have a few years on to speak on the issue. [Beer] A lot of the Aurora guys carry 6 mags on the reg and are proud of it. Then again over there they need all of them.
JM Ver. 2.0
11-14-2012, 15:33
I'll get back with you in a few years when I have a few years on to speak on the issue. [Beer] A lot of the Aurora guys carry 6 mags on the reg and are proud of it. Then again over there they need all of them.
But the new guy I was talking about works in the jail...
But the new guy I was talking about works in the jail...
I figured as much since you are at the SO. Just figured I'd share my tidbit of experience with various patrol officers of the metro. Like he JM said, stay away from gifts that are for a patrol assignment. I went through JeffCo's academy last year and they were telling their guys a MINIMUM of 3 years before they would even have a chance to test out of the jail. I was told realistically 5 is the minimum to expect.
USAFGopherMike
11-14-2012, 16:41
+1 on the boots. Danners for the win. Make sure you get the width right. I'm a big fan of the Acadia line.
http://www.danner.com/boots/
KestrelBike
12-27-2012, 11:49
i saw this the other day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8c6h5gdBKE
5.11 women's pant with "drop tail"
Or, a copy of the constitution.
That's really cool and smart of 5.11 to have taken her seriously and embraced an innovation like that.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.