A good example of how corruption does not serve the public good.
I'm not saying the FN is not a good pistol, but the first question that should have been asked that I doubt was asked was "Does the department NEED to switch pistols?" I doubt there was a serious evaluation of the department's needs and whether the current service pistol was meeting those needs, and if some other pistol even should to be considered.
Then if it was determined that the current issue pistol was not meeting the needs of the department, was a set of requirements put together to express the needs of the department? I doubt it.
Were pistol trials held to evaluate a number of pistols and see which pistol of many, could best meet the needs of the department. I doubt it.
It's amazing to me that politicians give so little consideration to law enforcement officers. I don't know if they're just buying the sales pitch from FN, or if they even care enough to believe their assurances. I don't think very much thought went into this except thinking about jobs, tax revenue and campaign contributions.
You doubt it, you doubt it, you doubt it...... but you have no idea what the real deal is. Personally, I give the dept the benefit of the doubt. Depts change out guns every 10 years or so, it could have just been time. Not all depts do their own evals on guns and ammo, often they don't have the money, appropriate personnel, or time so they go by info they get from big depts that have already done the leg work. This happens with guns, ammo, cars, all kinds of things. Yes, FN probably made them a great deal because they're local and it gets them on the LE Agency map, so what? How do you think Glock, SIG, S&W, HK, and others got their guns in all the cop holsters they inhabit? The difference in quality, accuracy, and reliability between the majority of the guns that cops are issued today are infinitesimal so it's really six of one, half a dozen of another. At least in the case of the FNS-9 it comes with replaceable back straps and 1911esque frame geometry so it fits lots of people well.
And as far as the change from .45 to 9mm? Greater capacity, less recoil, easier to teach newbies how to shoot since they're less intimidating, much lower ammo costs - win win win from a management stand point. Would I prefer a .45 if I was on that dept? Sure I would, I carry a .45 on duty now but I have to provide my own weapon so it's my choice. Would I feel undergunned with an 18 shot 9mm loaded with quality ammo and two 17rd mags on my belt? Hell no, it'll do the job if I do mine.
I agree with danweasel, it's a good example of the community supporting local business and local business supporting the community. And, if this results in more depts looking to FN to equip their officers it will benefit both the community and the business that much more.
