As you stated, the client and company policy will determine what is worn on the job. Where some discretion is allowed, specifically in regard to armor, each officer makes choices for themselves. I don't judge those guys that look like they're using every inch of available space to hang something on the carrier, that's their choice. You choose for you, others choose for themselves. It's pretty simple.
The other thing to keep in mind is that our fellow Officers will laugh at us if we go Rambo on the outer vest... When I'm teaching Level 3 (Armed/Uniformed in Texas) classes, I share some of the same points you state here - good stuff. Carry what you need, what you are lawfully allowed to carry as a licensed officer in your state, what you are trained or certified to use. Then, as often as you can, wear all that gear to the range or to the defensive tactics class to make sure you can operate all the gadgets and can actually get off the ground should you end up down there. Biggest issue I see is outer vests getting in the way of a level 3 holster with a standard or mid-height mount and a full size pistol. Or handcuffs at small of back...
Great point about hitting the range and testing your set up. Handcuffs in the small of the back is a huge pet peeve of mine as well. Thanks for your feedback!
As you stated, the client and company policy will determine what is worn on the job. Where some discretion is allowed, specifically in regard to armor, each officer makes choices for themselves. I don't judge those guys that look like they're using every inch of available space to hang something on the carrier, that's their choice.
You choose for you, others choose for themselves. It's pretty simple.
The other thing to keep in mind is that our fellow Officers will laugh at us if we go Rambo on the outer vest... When I'm teaching Level 3 (Armed/Uniformed in Texas) classes, I share some of the same points you state here - good stuff. Carry what you need, what you are lawfully allowed to carry as a licensed officer in your state, what you are trained or certified to use. Then, as often as you can, wear all that gear to the range or to the defensive tactics class to make sure you can operate all the gadgets and can actually get off the ground should you end up down there. Biggest issue I see is outer vests getting in the way of a level 3 holster with a standard or mid-height mount and a full size pistol. Or handcuffs at small of back...
Great point about hitting the range and testing your set up. Handcuffs in the small of the back is a huge pet peeve of mine as well. Thanks for your feedback!