Bad advice from military/law enforcement...

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How is it even possible to be an officer and not be a gun guy or gun gal? Isn't that the first requirement of the job? Sorry, I find it believable but still astounding.
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I recall reading that 70% of police academy applicants had never fired a gun. I don't recall if that was for a particular locale or across the board in the U.S.

Police officers often see guns as a tool of their trade, just like cars, flashlights, handcuffs, clipboards & pens. They aren't generally expert drivers or seriously into cars, they aren't all flashlight junkies, they don't typically mess with handcuffs as a hobby in their off time, and they don't always enjoy firearms either. They learn how to use the tools they are required to use to the level of proficiency that they are required to demonstrate and that's often as far as it goes--whatever the tool in question.
 
BGutzman... Sir

Using a firearm is probably the least applied skill in policing. Like most people a Police officers career, or life dont evolve around any one aspect of their job. People including the police tend to pay most attention to the duties, and skill's most used. The one piece of equipment officers use the most is an ink pen. The vast majority of officers go their entire career without ever firing a shot in the line of duty. Many even go their career without ever drawing their firearm. Thats not to say that the firearm should be ignored or neglected... Thats the one piece of equipment that must work perfectly every time, and the Officer must be proficient with it at all times.... Hence the firearm training shedual.
 
Having gone thru the 1996 MI CPl exercise...

at the end I asked the two LEO's, one the assistant deputy Sheriff and State patrol. The ADS replied to my question of how to handle a traffic stop, he responded with: "You sound have locked and emptied in your trunk!", i replied with "Why then did I just go thru this exercise of being granted a full CPL?"

He just glared at me. The State patrolman replied that I should, at first opportunity to inform the approaching officer and follow his directions.

This was before the 2000 CPL reform.
 
No sense in carrying a gun for protection if it is unloaded. I would never ding an honest citizen for carrying a loaded gun. Now if you are a felon or restricted from having the gun, different story. No honest tax paying American should need a concealed carry permit, and they don't if I'm around! That is just chicken for a cop to jam someone who is truly interested in carrying fro protection.

Most Sheriff Deputies don't sweat the small stuff.
 
Ever watch Cops, the tv show, and watch them try to clear a weapon they find? Most of the time they stand there fiddling with the thing untill an LEO who knows what hes doing walks over and clears it for them. I find this very unsettling. Also want to add, out of all the officers I have shot with at the range, maybe one or two were proficient with firearms. Just because they wear a badge and carry a gun does not necessarily mean they know how to use one.
 
Yes, some police officers aren't really interested in guns. Some are only marginally proficient with them. But as Glenn Dee pointed out, that's only a small part of the job.

And on the other hand, I've shot IPSC with some cops, I've been in classes at Gunsite and elsewhere with cops, had LEOs in classes I was helping teach and have practiced along side of some police officers. Those LEOs were interested and proficient; and some of them were training in part so that they could help train others in their agencies.

While some cops are more skillful and knowledgeable than others, denigrating their abilities categorically is inappropriate and uncalled for.
 
Just calling it as I see it... I don't deny there are plenty of LEO's out there who are very proficient with multiple firearm platforms. Heck one of the best shooters I know is a retired LEO who shoots his 1911's at 100 yards like it's a walk in the park. But I don't necessarily buy the it's only a small part of their job. Every aspect of my job I am required to be proficient in, if I wasn't I would have A. never been hired, or B. been fired by now.
 
There are many LEO's who are very proficient with guns. I am one of them. YOu would think all LEO's would be, but many are just not interested in guns. I know cops I work with who don't own but maybe one gun and that is usually a .38 revolver. Yet at work they carry the SIG 229, an M4, and a shotgun. But they have no interest.

All LEO's should be familiar with firearms and should be up to speed on modern tactics for LE and military. IF they are not they are doing a diservice to their partners, themselves, and the public. I expect all cops to be fluid with search techniques, building clearing, cover fire concepts, and all modern weapon handling techniques. Our firearms instruction is some of the best on the globe, yet there are some who still don't get a grasp!

I was at the range qualifiying with my M4 and we were shooting on the move. The little fat LEO next to me had no grace, did not groucho walk, and ran while he was bounding with the rifle swinging towards me. I stopped the line and corrected him and put him in CHECK! Unbelievable!

But then you have many guys I work with and a few gals who are fantastic and really get it!
 
Years ago a cop friend told my mom to get a shotgun and load it with birdshot b/c she wouldn't have to aim. He also said her .25 would just "<hack> 'em off".

Nice guy, well meaning, but pretty much a walking cliche'.
 
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