NCJ Number
112145
Journal
Security Management Volume: 32 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1988) Pages: 83-86
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
While revolvers have long been the basic sidearm for security and law enforcement officers, increasing sophistication among offenders and advances in weapons technology have contributed to a trend toward using double-action semiautomatic weapons, usually in 9-mm caliber.
Abstract
These semiautomatics have a number of features that make them attractive to security organizations, including improved safety features, the ability to carry up to 14 rounds, the speed of reloading, and general design improvements. Training is the key to ensuring that officers are confident, proficient, and safe in their use of semiautomatic weapons. Such training should cover general safety and maintenance, carrying the weapon, and basic marksmanship. In addition to covering the mechanics of the weapon, training should also consider shoot/don't shoot decisionmaking and the laws, policies, and liabilities associated with the use of deadly force. Both classroom and range training should be included. Reactive targets, sound-activated timers, and barricades provide useful aids for teaching combat shooting on the range. Once officers are comfortable with the basic operation of the weapon, training should cover strategies for correcting such malfunctions as failure to eject (stovepipe), to feed, or to fire.