Ok, I'm looking at the police academy expense list. It details uniforms and ammo and such. There is no sidearm listed on here, does that mean I will likely be issued one or should I be trying to find out what to buy or what?

I am almost certain that you will use academy owned guns.

If it is not on the list, then you probably don't have to buy it. If you want to be sure, call the academy and ask.