Ga. Police Upgrade to .40-Caliber Sidearms to Counter Criminals

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(Stock Photo)

DeKALB, Ga. — Gangs and drug traffickers have ditched their pistols for assault rifles and other military-style firearms, leaving police outgunned.

To beef up its arsenal, the DeKalb County Police Department is trading in its 9 mm handguns for .40-caliber weapons, which are more effective.

Last week, the County Commission approved the purchase of 1,200 Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handguns to replace the force’s Berettas.

“A common weapon on the streets is a .40 caliber,” acting DeKalb police Chief William O’Brien said. “We’re a little behind the times with the 9 mm.”

Most officers in the metro area and across the nation carry .40-caliber handguns. Some, like DeKalb, give officers the option to carry higher-powered weapons as long as they are trained.

Check out PoliceLink’s extensive handgun reviews.

For O’Brien, the problem was twofold: The department’s 9 mm Berettas were more than 20 years old and no longer manufactured.

“We couldn’t replace them,” he said.

Officers on the streets also found their 9 mm guns could not compete with those in the hands of criminals armed with .40-caliber handguns and assault rifles.

“We got some pretty heinous weapons,” DeKalb District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming said. “We’re seeing AK-47s, street sweepers, military-style weapons. It’s not just your mom’s pistol any more.”

Last year, the county tested weapons from four manufacturers who submitted bids.

“We brought all of the weapons to the range,” O’Brien said. “Officers could go shoot each one and fill out a survey. This model was chosen by the majority of officers.”

Commissioner Lee May said he was pleased the decision was made by officers, not the administration.

“They chose what’s best for them,” he said. “It’s about the officers being safe.”

The $207,475 contract will pay for 1,200 guns, holsters and magazines to outfit the department.

Atlanta police officers also carry .40-caliber Smith & Wesson guns. The department is considering arming its force with assault rifles but is still doing research on the benefits of the weapons, said Officer Otis Redmond, a police spokesman.

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bfriskey

over 3 years ago

980 Comments

Thanks for going in the Right direction but still behind the curve.
Anonymous

over 3 years ago

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION YOU'LL BE HAPPY
Anonymous

over 3 years ago

M&P seems to be the modern day Glock with as many departments and as fast as they are going to them. I know my M&P 45 is AMAZING and shoots like a total dream...
Glock10mmForMe

over 3 years ago

66 Comments

This might be a good move but I really hope they stick with heavier (165 gr, or better 180gr) bullets for these guns. The Winchester 180 grain T-Series is a very good round if carrying a .40.

For years, I and others noted a perceived inadequacy of .40's to do their job in many shootings. Yes, bullet placement IS very important, but when you are making hits to vital areas and the bad guy doesn't go down, and even more rarely dies, there is an issue somewhere. On paper and in theory, the .40 should have been doing a much better job than .38's and 9mm's it replaced, but that did not seem to be the case. The best theory any of us could come up with, was that many agencies were using light (135-155 grain) bullets for some time and perhaps they were expanding too quickly before penetrating deeply enough to do what needed doing. With gaining acceptance of heavier projectiles, actual shootings seem to be yielding a better ratio of stopped and deceased perps.

Just my humble opinion.
JP503

over 3 years ago

7634 Comments

Nice move. Nice to see the brass allowed the officers to pick the gun they wanted.
Whalewatcher

over 3 years ago

9818 Comments

A good first step !!! Glad the offficers can purchase their own AR-15s for use on duty, as well. Like others have already said, though, shot placement is critical. Practice, practice, practice !!!
thestugots01

over 3 years ago

192 Comments

I love my glock 19. High capacity, and SHOT PLACEMENT, caliber doesnt mean crap.
Anonymous

over 3 years ago

I'm proud to say that my former department issues .40 caliber glocks, AR-15's with EOTechs, and non-lethal 12 GA Remington 870's to all patrol personnel. Training is strenuous and continueous. But, it is expensive!
TacticalJay

over 3 years ago

12 Comments

add the ar-15 in the trunk
Elite1grey

over 3 years ago

1096 Comments

now issue them some fnP-90's too
Ironbutt270

over 3 years ago

18 Comments

I fail to see the logic in statements, but not neccesarily in the decision to change from 9mm to .40S&W. First off, if the logic is to equip the department with the .40S&W round because "There's some pretty nasty stuff out there", you've failed the test. You're still outgunned against rifles, and have not moved the ball against pistol v. pistol. Now, if you would have told me that you were equiping each member with a patrol rifle and EOTech, I'd buy the argument.

Just saying...
revCCBeasley

over 3 years ago

2944 Comments

About Time.....Va did back in 06.....Ya Jonas
Jonas

over 3 years ago

38368 Comments

You gotta fight fire with fire. Hope this is the first in along line of upgrades.
Jonas

over 3 years ago

38368 Comments

You gotta fight fire with fire. Hope this is the first in along line of upgrades.
Dangerfish

over 3 years ago

70 Comments

I disagree with .40cal. Too snappy. More rounds the better. Shot placement is the determining factor in a gunfight, get a CNS shot, you win. With more rounds your chances of getting that hit are higher, provided they don't cheap out on the ammo.

Instead of replacing a gun that works, why not invest in a little more range time?

I am surprised at that price. Holsters alone should have cost $100 each with a contract. Anything other than Safariland or Bladetech and you are asking to get your weapon taken from you.