Police Officer Weapons?

Question

What do most police officers carry as there gun?

USA

Answer 1

That is a .. no pun intended "loaded" question. However now most police department patrols carry a semi automatic pistol (at least a 9mm or larger) and their holsters are either dual or triple retention safety in case a suspect tries to take the weapon from the officer (attempting to wrench it out of the holster.) However, I am sure that not every jurisdiction uses the exact same weapon for patrol duty. Variances include a glock, beretta (for the Military Police), as their primary means of deadly force. However, in the instances that the officer may be outgunned some patrols do carry a shotgun (usually a 12 gauge pump) locked in the patrol car which can be pulled out if things get really bad. Sometimes though the shotgun isn't enough. Thats when the officer calls requesting a "code 3" for SWAT. (Special Weapons and Tactics.) (code 1= authorization of excessive speed to respond... code 2= authorization of excessive speed with activation of roof lights... code 3= authorization of excessive speed with activation of roof lights and activation of sirens/horns to clear the road.) The SWAT team will then move in and bring with them an arsenal of equipment to include military weapons (M16A2 rifle), flashbangs, more shotguns, negotiators, tear gas, concussion grenades etc etc. The SWAT team will solve the problem one way or the other. I would not want to be the suspect SWAT is looking for.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

In SC it is the Glock 22 .40 caliber along with a taser, pepper spray, and baton. Some also carry a 12 gauge shotgun in their patrol car. The Glock 22 .40 caliber has shown to be more reliable and doesn't jam as the smaller semi-automatic handguns seem to do.
The 9mm used to be carried by officers here but they have switched to the .40 caliber to have a more effective handgun. The 9mm has been proven to be ineffective at times, stunning the suspect instead of wounding him/her. It has been shown and proven that most people who are shot with a 9mm do live, even a head shot. It is said that the small bullet will penetrate the skin but not the skull, therefore becoming lodged between the skin and skull. Although I have a 9mm myself for personal use and protection, as an officer I would want something more powerful than the 9mm when it comes to life or death situations.

Answer 4

Every department has different policies on weapons. Myself, I carry a Glock 23. It is a 40 caliber semi automatic handgun, no safety and alot more stopping power than any 9 mm. Also contains more rounds in the magazine than a 45 cal

Answer 5

I carry 2 Glock .40 cals, a model 22 and a model 27. I also have an AR-15 rifle and a 12 guage shotgun. Then there's the pepper spray, the taser, and the collapsible baton. And at least two knives. But the most important are my radio and my absolute will to make it home to my family every night.

Answer 6

Here in my area almost all of us carry .45s. Maine State police carry H&K usp .45s. The other .45 out there in my area s the Glock model 21. I like both but prefer the H&K. I love mine and that is what I carry. It has never failed me. The down side is that accesories are easier to get for the Glock, but with great training and practice they aren't needed. The glock is cheaper. We like the .45 because it doesn't penetrate as far. This is to your advantage if one needs to fire inside an apartment building or residence.

Answer 7

Nowadays, it is usually a Glock Model 17 in 9mm, or a Glock Model 22 in .40 S&W. The Glock model 22 is rapidly becoming the U.S. standard police sidearm, much like the old Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver of yesteryear.

Answer 8

That is totally dependant on their city or town. Each PO is required to have a handgun that meets the minimun or maximum requirements of the city's charter. Most carry a back up gun which is smaller in physical size, not necessarrily smaller in caliber. Probably the 9mm, .40, 38Spl, and 357 account fot the majority, but I am just guessing on that. Those just happen to be the most popular sizes.

Answer 9

Generally, no. If the Reserve Officer wants to carry off duty he must get a concealed carry permit like any other citizen. Some reserve officers might only work security details for special events or only work when the department runs short handed. Training time and liability issues do not allow for reserve officers to be granted the same privileges full time officer have.

Answer 10

It seems that the .40 caliber is the most popular with 9mm and .45 carried by some. The Glock has become the most common brand. Beretta's are carried by some as well as Springfield (FBI).