Plano, TX Police Dept...duty weapon?

[jimlongley]

When I went through Plano's Citizens' Police Academy they told us that the issue sidearm was required for all officers, but that certain people could carry "selected" other guns. The selected list included: long term duty guns, IOW something you have been carrying for a long time in your employment with Plano PD; and members of the tactical team carried 1911s. No mention was made of any other options, but there is always the possibility.

I endeared myself to the instructor during that class segment by asking "Since the Tac Team members carry 1911s, that would imply that they are a better gun, so why doesn't the department just standardize on that instead of 'combat tupperware?'"

It was a fun class.

[flintknapper]

When I went through Plano's Citizens' Police Academy they told us that the issue sidearm was required for all officers, but that certain people could carry "selected" other guns. The selected list included: long term duty guns, IOW something you have been carrying for a long time in your employment with Plano PD; and members of the tactical team carried 1911s. No mention was made of any other options, but there is always the possibility.

I endeared myself to the instructor during that class segment by asking "Since the Tac Team members carry 1911s, that would imply that they are a better gun, so why doesn't the department just standardize on that instead of 'combat tupperware?'"

It was a fun class.

Bet he loved that.

It does make a good question though. (1911 fan here)


I am sure instructors would rather train around the Glock...as it is an easier weapon to use...when you consider that a percentage of the recruits will have had little to no prior experience with handguns and that some parts of the training is designed to pressure the student.

Even if my nephew were allowed to carry something different....I would still encourage him to consider the Glock.

They do have a good reputation for reliability....and having continuity of weaponry in the field could be a plus.

[jbirds1210]

Make sure to look into known Glock 22 problems when partnered with a clip on "tactical" light such as the streamlights many departments require. The lights prevented some of the frame flex needed for proper function. I believe the problems was remedied with a spring upgrade. Should not be a problem if a new weapon is purchased. Take care.

Jason

[surprise_i'm_armed]

He said he loved going to the range with the new guys and emptying a cylinder of .357 rounds with the muzzle blast being felt 2 or 3 bays away and seeing their jaws drop and them stop shooting to figure out what kind of cannon he has on his belt.

I know what you mean. At Texas CHL Forum Day, I had issued an open invitation
to shoot my .357 Rossi 4" revolver for anyone who wanted to try it.

Shooting outside, though, seemed to drain the .357 of the high drama, noise, and
muzzle blast that is experienced when shooting this weapon inside an enclosed range.
It just wasn't as dramatic when shot outside.

If I could know ahead of time that a defensive encounter would take place out of doors,
I'd load it with .357's, but since it's my truck gun I just load it with .38 Special JHP's.

SIA

[Zoti]

I know a few cops at the PPD. One of them carries a G21 and G30 as back up. Some Carry a G22.

[Medic218]

I talked to a senior officer recently. He carrired a 1911 cocked and locked. He said they are issued Glocks but experienced officers could carry 1911s, issued, not personal.

I'm in Plano hospitals pretty regularly and have had several interactions with members of PPD and remember seeing a couple guys carrying 1911's and others wearing something else that I can't specificly recall at the moment...I wanted to say Sig but according to the guy Im quoting its probaly more than likely a Glock.
If I'm down that way anytime soon I'll pay more attention and report back.

[tacticool]

One argument against buying a gun for him now is he will be eligible for discount pricing from lots of manufacturers after he's a cop.