But don't you have standard issue in your patrol car? Or can you bring along any weapon you please?
Both.... I carry a department issue GLOCK 22. I was issued a department duty rig but that sits at home. I carry my own rig set up to what I want. Different holster, different mag pouch, different handcuffs, etc... I am also qualified in the following firearms for work.
GLOCK Gen 4 Model 17
GLOCK Gen 4 Model 22
Colt AR-15A3 (Model 6721)
Remington 870 Express Magnum w/ +2 extended magazine
Smith & Wesson Model 642
FN Herstal Self Loading Police Shotgun
FN PS90 Carbine
With quals coming up in late March. I'm going to swap out the AR for the AUG.
As of right now what I carry daily is the following.
Department Issue GLOCK 22 (Primary Sidearm)
Smith & Wesson Model 642 (Backup Carry)
Remington 870 Express Magnum (Loaded with Less Lethal Bean Bag)
FN PS90 (For situations in which I need a carbine. Active Shooter Event)
As long as I qualify with my firearms quarterly I can carry them. Reason why I carry the GLOCK 17 is if I'm going to be working with the county I want to be able to share mags with them. The County allows it's officers to carry the following.
Beretta FS 92D
GLOCK 17
S&W 5946
Sig Sauer P226 DAO
The majority of the County carries the GLOCK 17. The older guys carry the Beretta or Smith and if they're really old they're still humping wheel guns.
My personal GLOCK 22 is simply for off duty. The department gun stays in the duty holster unless it's being drawn on a subject or is being cleaned.
If I don't wish to use any of my personal equipment I could carry the following if I qualify with them.
Colt Model 634 (16 inch 9x19mm Semi-Auto Carbine)
Colt Model 6920 (16 inch 5.56x45mm M4 Semi-Auto Carbine)
Remington 870 Police (4+1 Capacity plus these shotguns are older then me)
GLOCK 17 (Fullsize 9x19mm)
GLOCK 19 (Compact 9x19mm)
GLOCK 21 (Fullsize .45 ACP)
GLOCK 22 (Fullsize .40 S&W)
GLOCK 23 (Compact .40 S&W)