NCJ Number
120904
Date Published
1989
Length
50 pages
Annotation
A task force made up of representatives of each major command of the police department in Kansas City, Mo. started work in November 1988 to determine the best sidearms available to meet the department's current needs.
Abstract
The task force reviewed statistics and studies showing that police personnel now operate in a context in which criminals are increasingly using illicit drugs and sophisticated weapons. In addition, the public is expecting the police to pursue criminals more intensely than before. The result is a dangerous situation for police. The analysis of specifications, the advantages and disadvantages of specific weapons, ammunition, training, and costs concluded that the double-action, semiautomatic pistol is superior to the revolver in several critical areas. The task force recommends the use of the Sig Sauer P226 or the Smith and Wesson 5906 Stainless for both uniformed and plain-clothes police. If the department chooses to continue to use revolvers, it should continue using the Smith and Wesson Model 64. However, officers should be allowed to use the recommended semi-automatic pistols for on-duty plain clothes and off-duty use. In addition, the department should require firearms qualification twice a year. Additional recommendations, tables, footnotes, 20 references, and appended descriptions of the recommended weapons, statements of departmental procedures, training materials, and related documents are included.