LASD and the M&P Shield

[Engine104]

Per the link: Sheriff Approves Expanded On and Off Duty Weapons list at , the 9mm M&P Shield is approved for off duty, backup, and plainclothes, but the listing reads, "MUST ATTEND THE OPTIONAL OFF-DUTY CLASS FOR THE SHIELD REGARDLESS OF SAFETY CONFIGURATION" (In caps on their page).

Aside from the fact that "Must attend" and "Optional" is confusing, why is that included for this gun and not for others of a similar size?

[ARDude]

It is optional in the fact that if you want to carry it, you MUST attend the class.
If you don't intend on carrying it then it is not required...."optional".

Call them and ask why the class is required for the Shield.

[Atomic Donut]

LASD has a list of approved off duty firearms?? And you have to attend a Classes in order to carry specific pistols off duty?

[ARDude]

LASD has a list of approved off duty firearms?? And you have to attend a Classes in order to carry specific pistols off duty?

LAPD has approved firearms for on and off duty. I'm sure LASD does also.

[Engine104]

Sorry guys, I forgot to post the link: https://sheriffsrelief.org/2016/08/s...-duty-weapons/

[SoCalDep]

It is required for other guns of similar size.

The notice is to differentiate the Shield from the rest of the M&Ps that are department approved. Because the Shield was only available with a manual safety when it was initially authorized (and still may be purchased in either configuration - safety or no-safety), it requires an optional class to be certified to carry it, because manipulation is different than the regular M&P.

If a deputy is M&P certified, they can buy an M&P Compact and all they have to do is shoot a standard (1st quarter) qualification to carry it. They cannot do that with a Shield... They must first take the class.

[Ron-Solo]

LASD has a list of approved off duty firearms?? And you have to attend a Classes in order to carry specific pistols off duty?

Yep. Been this way for years.

It is optional in the fact that if you want to carry it, you MUST attend the class.
If you don't intend on carrying it then it is not required...."optional".

Call them and ask why the class is required for the Shield.

This. It is an optional carry pistol, but if you want to carry, you must take the class.

[Engine104]

Thanks, guys. That explains it. Now it makes sense.

Be safe.

-Larry