Expert: Loren Stevens - 11/12/2007

Question
I am currently overseas with the military and just completed school so that I can transition into the law enforcement/security career field.  My question is, Is there a standard handgun issued over all in the this field, I am more interested in finding out what the Dallas Police Department issues, as that is where I am hoping to get hired... but I am also interested to see if there is an overall handgun used as a standard or if it varies from state to state or department to department.  Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer
Hello Elisha,
I can offer you an opinion on what you seek....
For the most part, I believe that many/most agencies tend to favor a 9mm semi-auto pistol.
Brands that come to mind, would be: Baretta, S&W, Walther, Glock, Taurus,Sig Sauer and Heckler&Koch.
I'm sure there are others, but these makes seem to be doing well. There is also an interest in 10mm semi-autos, which many of the feds seem to like.
Some Dets like the Colt Commander .45 (shorter than the 1911)
My favorite was a Browning High-Power, but that wouldn't be acceptable today, as agencies want double action from the get-go.
Many undercover dets like a 380 semi auto as it is small. It amounts to little more than a 9mm"short". It usually comes down to the same age old debate: revolver versus semi-auto, and stopping power versus penetrating power.
You might want to contact www.DallaspoliceDepartment.net and ask them directly.
Or, maybe the Texas state P.O.S.T. for their input.
Often times, you can derive survey questions and results by contacting the IACP (International Assoc. Chiefs' of Police)or BJA, out of the US Justice Dept.
I think what you have, is a blended mix throughout the country. Some agencies furnish duty weapons, some agencies allow for officer choice..within parameters of caliber and type.And, some mix and match with different options. Several agencies have also factored in their labor organization into the decision making, or atleast to consult.
Many old style Detectives still prefer a snub-nosed revolver, which yields "six ways to say NO every time." They don't worry about jams, stove-piping etc.
Some old timers still prefer a 38 cal. Some prefer a .357 mag.
I think an accepted range would be from 38 cal, .357, 9 and 10 mm.Revolvers and semi-autos.
Keep in mind, agencies have different budget appropriations to address. Plus, many cops like to buy their own, and get an investment and tax write off.
You might also be interested in knowing that the Dallas PD was talking about waiving the college credit requirement for new hires, for those with military background, with specific amounts of service time. Worth checking out, with a Dallas PD recruiter.
Another good agency to consider, is the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept. LV NV. You'll want action, benefits, opportunity etc.
So, the question you ask comes down to each agency may be different on the configurations, on many levels.
Also, the needs of an agency that has a jurisdiction strictly urban, has different needs than those who also have a rural area to cover.
Sorry I don't have a more precise answer for you. Hope this is atleast a little helpful.
Good luck, and keep your powder dry.
Regards,
loren