NCJ Number
174177
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 46 Issue: 9 Dated: September 1998 Pages: 45-48
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the phenomenon of law enforcement agencies frequently being outgunned by criminals.
Abstract
Even the smallest police departments can face multiple shootings, hostage situations, bombings and other non-routine occurrences. The article discusses the results of a recent poll of small department administrators to determine what they are doing to help prepare their officers. Eighty-two percent of respondents said they have available the weapons they need to carry out routine police work. However, many departments are trying, despite limited budgets and the need for other equipment, to provide their officers with the most effective and technically advanced weapons. Law enforcement agencies hope to do this in advance of need, before the officers must face criminals armed with significantly greater firepower. Proper use of advanced weapons is also important, and many police agencies place great emphasis on extensive training and familiarization.