Just a response......
-LAPD use dark navy blue uniforms and not black
The uniforms in question are coloured as "Midnight Navy", quite similar to LAPD Blue. Only after I acquired the 5.11 uniforms did I locate a few retailers that offered affordable LAPD Blue uniforms.
-LAPD dont use the SIGARMS P226 but the Berreta 92F or 92FS, Glock 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 34, 35, or several S&W. Cadets graduating are now receiving the Glock 22 as standard but can choose to carry any of those handguns as their service pistols. But the 92FS seems to be the more popular choice. SWAT are using the Kimber Custom TLE II aka Kimber LAPD SWAT custom II with Surefire light
Entirely correct. While I do have a Beretta holster on hand, I still prefer using my SIG Sauer P226. That all goes back to my firing the P226 live on a range; it had such a beautifully smooth trigger pull that I could not find in any other pistol I've tried. I briefly contemplated the Kimber LAPD SWAT Custom II pistol, however that is an entire project that I've placed on hold for a bit. I did own a Beretta for a while, but sold it off earlier this year.
-Flashlights are actually these big Maglites that i dont know the model and not Surefires
Again, my personal choice for a flashlight. Sufficed to say, it is by far the best light I've ever used, thus my use here. As for the MagLite, I'm sure they'd be carrying either the 2D or 3D style. Anything larger than that is just a weapon as it doesn't have any better lighting capability.
-If you want a larger weapon, LAPD use the Remington Model 870, Ithaca 37, Benelli M4 Super 90, HK MP5's with dedicated Surefire weapon light, and certain personnell can use an AR15 variant. LAWAPD (LA World Airports Police Dept) also use these weapons and the HK UMP45 or 40 (not really sure), and M16 and M4 type AR15's, SWAT use the MP5, M4, Remington Model 700PSS, Remington 870 (for non-combat) Benelli M1, and M4 Super 90 (combat)
I've actually got a full-stock CA B&T MP5A4, but I did not bring it out for use in the photos. Especially since you'd normally only see a shotgun in an average cruiser car. If I could locate a retailer who could bring in the Maruzen (I think they made it) Remington 870 that is full metal, I'd definitely have a shotgun for photo use and game use.
How I know this, is simply because I live in LA
. hope this helps. Please dont take this offensively, its just that i have a huge admiration for these guys and just felt like sharing these pointers/detail with you guys.
I've had a huge interest in the LAPD for some time, to the point where I've looked into their standards for hiring (yes, as a Canadian I could apply.....sweet!). While the majority of the uniform can be pieced together, like many others I opted to substitute some items for my personal preferred carry.
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Part of my issue was locating key information regarding certain items. For example, while the swivel holster is still an accepted holster for Los Angeles, I could not find anywhere which definitively stated that it was the current issue holster. I know the Safariland 070 is authorized for CHP, and the Safariland 280 is the sole holster for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, but couldn't find anything stating the specific model used by LAPD members.
All this said, if you know of any specifics, please PM me so I can incorporate them. I prefer to be 100% authentic as my intent is to pay homage to the men and women who serve the public.