First of all use rifles (carbines). Smgs and shotguns are not bad but the heavy amored enemys which are on most of the maps will not even flinch after eating a whole smg mag.
The problem with shotguns is you can't headshot the enemys so they will headshot you resulting in your death. So my recommendation is to just pick an assault rifle as primary.
When choosing your rifle you should consider the missions environment, go for a shorter weapon for better maneuverability in tight spaces. And because almost all of the maps are inside and you will most likely only have close quarter battles so you shouldn't pick a gun that's too long (also supressors).

I like the G4A16, G36C and if im facing well trained and heavy amored suspects I sometimes use the SA-58 OSW. (You also can't go wrong with the MK18 or ARWC).


PS: If you want to go non-lethal use the bean bag shotgun, the pepper ones are nerf guns.

Optics, grips and muzzles are based on personal preference.

I use the Holosight EXPS3 as optic,


and the SFMB Brake as muzzle


For your underbarrel slot you've got 2 options. Either use the flashlight or use the laser + night vision goggles, it depends on your playstyle here. I mostly use the second option.

Bring a pistol based on personal choice, if you don't use a shield you should prioritize primary weapon ammo over pistol magazines.
You can use any pistol really, I use the Five Seven but tbh, if you don't really care about your secondary just use the one that looks the coolest to you althought I'd stick with pistols that have higher mags.

Choose headgear based on mission approach. Ballistic face shields for direct engagements, night vision for darker missions (with laser).
The gas mask is pretty good if you bring CS gas.
You can use the gas masks after deploying CS gas to enter tear gas-filled rooms unaffected.

Kevlar offers agility but less protection.
Ceramic strikes a balance, stopping most rounds.
Steel provides maximum protection but slows movement significantly.
Consider mission size and threats to determine the ideal armor type.

Overall I would just stay with ceramic, you can't go wrong with it really.

Choose between stab vests, light, or heavy armor based on equipment slots needed versus protection required.
Although I can't think of a scenario where the stab vest is useful... if you're going with a shield maybe....
Use light amor and if you really don't need the equipment slots you can use heavy amor.

Hollow points for unarmored targets, armor-piercing rounds for armored suspects.
Balance ammo quantity: carrying excessive ammo may limit other essential equipment slots.
Most of the time you don't need as much ammo as you may think.
Id' just stay with amor-piercing rounds because most maps have amored targets.

The Mirrorgun aids in reconnaissance. Breaching tools (shotgun, battering ram, (C2 charge)) offer various advantages based on the situation.
Shield can be good if you're a teamplayer but after a few shots you will be blind as you can't see throught the glass so it almost becomes useless.
Door wedges are crucial for room containment and tactical advantages.

You can use a taser if targets fake surrender so you don't have to kill them.
Pepper spray does the same job I guess but isn't as cool as a taser.
And again door wedges are very good.

Remember, there's no "best" loadout. Adapt and refine your gear based on experience, mission briefings, and tactical considerations for optimal performance.
And yes, read the briefings (or listen).