TexasCHLforum.com

TABC is in the process of switching the state issued weapon from S&W M&P in .40 to the Glock 22 in .40. But, we only buy about 100 pistols for a 300 man force since we allow officers to carry their own weapons. I would estiamte that about 1/3 of the department is carrying a 1911 style of one type or another. Our only rule for duty weapons is that it has to carry Speer Gold Dot ammo in it (which limits some calibers) and you have to qualify with it on our course.


Incidentally, if you are getting out of the military, you might want to look at TCLEOSE's new rules for changing to civilian law enforcement. They have added the Air Force to the list and added that qualified MP's can take the 120 hour changeover academy instead of the full academy. Check here for more information:

http://www.tcleose.state.tx.us/FormsApp ... -26-07.pdf

HankB wrote:

Dwight K. Schrute wrote: . . . Art Acevedo (new APD chief for those not in the Austin area) was doing his best to make ALL officers carry Glock .40s, no ifs, ands, or buts. Thoughts?

Sounds like the new chief is an anal-retentive control freak, the quintissential bureaucrat. Wonder if his desire for uniformity will lead him to issue orders that the pistol be carried on the right side . . . even if the officer is left handed. (I've heard that some departments have so directed.)

Not anal, but thinking like a Chief. There are lots of good reasons for a department to require everyone to carry the same weapon, most of which come down to liability. There are the logistics reasons (one type of ammo, one supply of spare parts), the tactical reasons (if something happens to one officer, others can still use his weapon if they need too, one officer out of ammo can borrow a magazine from another if needed), and the big one - training. This way he can ensure that all officers receive the same training and can operate the weapon to the same standard.

Failure to train is one of the big liability lawsuits for any employer, and it hits police very hard.