Officer's choice handgun policy

[Krag]

I posted this earlier in another thread but it got "lost" in there.

A local PD (one of the largest in the state) recently adopted an "officer's choice" handgun policy. Officers can carry any pistol they can qualify with with two preconditions:

1. It must be capable of using department issue (Speer Gold Dot) 9mm, .357 SIG, .40, 10mm or .45 ammo.
2. NO single action pistols allowed!

The previous issue handgun was the Beretta 96 but about 75% of the officers have switched to Glocks of various calibers. A few stayed with the Beretta and smaller numbers have gone with the Para LDA or various S&Ws. The SWAT team decided to use the Glock 22. A poll of officers on the single action pistol question found only a few saying they'd like to use them (and most of them were competitive shooters). The chief said "NO!"

What's your opinion?

 

[Onmilo]

In our local department the old dogs still pack revolvers.

Seasoned officers and the 'tactical' gang pack carry 1911 type pistols in .45 acp, most of them carry Wilson or Les Baer. A trend was started here by one of the experienced sargeants and the rest followed the big dog.

Younger guys and female officers carry Glock and a few Sigs in .40 S&W and 9mm, .40s predominate here.
The department will issue a Glock 22 or 23 if you don't bring your own.

 

[Ash]

Seems I read this question a while back on Gunboards.

Ash

 

[Krag]

Ash - that's right. I was looking for some more opinions.

 

[cookekdjr]

That policy gives you alot of choices. I'd probably choose a Sig p229 in .40, or (to go lighter) a Glock 22 or 23 in .40.
Be glad they're not requiring you to carry some jamamatic POS.
-David

 

[dsk]

They can use a Glock which fires with one short tug of the trigger, but they can't use SA pistols with a manual safety and grip safety. Go figure.

 

[OH25shooter]

Those are lucky officers. My department issued only S&W auto's and had a list of specific makes for off-duty carry. :banghead: Sort of, "this is what you'll carry, now shutup!"

 

[cookekdjr]

My department issued only S&W auto's ... :banghead:

My investigater was required to carry a S&W that always jammed/stovepiped. He was a happy man the day he was issued a Glock.

 

[Johnny Guest]

My opinion?

Given that the department accepts the possible problems of having instructors and armorers familiar with all the types encompassed by THAT rule, if I were king (Chief ) I'd go ahead and set it up like it was in the agency from which I recently retired.

We had two very knowledgeable range masters/instructors. ALL sworn (armed) personnel had to qualify with their chosen sidearm. This not only meant firing an acceptable score, but demonstration of familiarity and comfort with the piece. The deputies had to show they could properly maintain the weapon, to include field striping and cleaning, clear malfunctions, and so forth. If the officer decided to change weapons, he/she had to go to the range and be checked out BEFORE carrying it on duty.

There is much to be said for an officer having confidence in the sidearm. I have no trouble with an officer being a competetive shooter. Chances are, he/she will be more competent and confident than if only an every-90-days shooter.

Best,
Johnny

 

[OH25shooter]

Also, thinking back when I was active (now retired), one reason for using the same sidearm is unforeseen emergency situations. Same weapon, same ammo, etc. You start mixing a bunch of different style handguns, some officers will be uncomfortable. Of course if you carry a 9mm and your partner carries a 45, that could be a problem.

 

[WillBrayJr]

A full-size Sig with a compact-size Sig in the same caliber. Like the P226 and the P239

 

[Johnny Guest]

The "Exchange of Ammunition" model.

I used to think there MIGHT be some validity to this idea. I put forth the thought once in a bull session. An "old hand" opined that, if some trigger-happy rookie wanted to waste all his ammo, that was the rookie's business, but HE wasn't going to throw him some more to spray. I promptly adopted this enlightened self-interest school of thought.

Later on, when I was lobbying my chief to be allowed to carry a .45, he made a passing reference to the theory. I even volunteered to carry ten rounds of .38 Special in addition to my own ammo. We compromised. He said I could carry a .45 if I wanted, but not an automatic. (Hey, he WAS the chief, and a darn good one ). I went out and found a 1955 Target with the barrel already cut to four inches, swapped for an N-frame duty holster, and was set.

Best,
Johnny

 

[SGTIsaj23]

I think the officer's choice is a good idea. I think that a person, especially someone with a reasonable expectation to have to use a firearm, should be allowed to carry something comfortable for them.

I do think that a unified policy for SWAT, SOG, whatever, teams is also reasonable because of the higher possiblity of shared ammo in that case. And these guys aren't rookies just blowin rounds.

 

[Ash]

Our chief carries a Baby Eagle (yeah, one of those, gasp, CZ-based handguns). He's moved up through the ranks, after a slough of less-desirable chiefs (the last one was good, but he retired). This fellow I have known for 10 years and he has carried that BE the entire time. He still wears his uniform, still carries even when just in the office. And, to give him credit, he isn't a desk jockey.

Ash