LASD and the .40 s&w

[Morning]

Hello, i am interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement in the near future as i wrap up my undergraduate degree. I noticed that the LAPD authorize 9mm, .40, and .45 acp, but LASD only authorizes 9mm and .45 acp. Does anyone know why? Just a bit curious of the restrictions of both department. Will the .40 ever be authorized for duty and off duty use?

[BoJackUSMC]

I think LASD issue M&P 9mm for their academy, but I am sure you can switch to40 cal after you graduate from the academy.

[Samuelx]

I think LASD issue M&P 9mm for their academy, but I am sure you can switch to40 cal after you graduate from the academy.

Really? How?

[Ron-Solo]

I think LASD issue M&P 9mm for their academy, but I am sure you can switch to40 cal after you graduate from the academy.

No .40 cal for LASD. They authorize 9mm and .45ACP in several different firearms. The M&P 9 is approved for duty use, but was only issued to one class, maybe more, on a trial basis. The Beretta 92f is still the current issue firearm.

They tested the .40 and the ballistics did not merit adding another caliber. In many of the tests, the 9 outperformed the .40, using same types and manufacturers loads, especially the Ranger T series.

The M&P 9 will be the next issue pistol. They are working out some logistics issues and an integrated light platform. Then it will take a couple of years to make the full conversion department wide. It took almost three years to switch fom revolvers to the Beretta.

The M&P 45 is NOT authorized at this time. It did not pass the strenuous testing. A problem was identified, Smith and Wesson fixed it, now it starts the process all over again. One of the tests is round count without failures, and involves a certain number of pistols reaching 15,000 rounds with only a specified number of failures. It takes a while and each pistol is fully documented and round counts tracked.

[Morning]

Oh, I understand now. Thank you for the responses everyone.

[Jonathan Doe]

They ar enot issueing the M&P 9mm to the academy only because Smith & Wesson could not fill the order. The Department is in a process to replace Beretta to M&P. It will start from the patrol guys.

Oh, and sometimes officers load 40 cal ammo in a 45 Auto magazines/guns, believe it or not.

[SoCalDep]

The M&P was issued to at least four or five classes (three since I've been at my current assignment) but since we are all out of M&Ps right now, current classes are being issued Berettas.

We are still testing pistols for optional on and or off duty issue. Some 9mms and some .45s are slated for testing, but we'll see how long it takes to get it done. Don't expect anything soon.

.40 isn't an option, and won't be for the foreseeable future.

[Morning]

The M&P was issued to at least four or five classes (three since I've been at my current assignment) but since we are all out of M&Ps right now, current classes are being issued Berettas.

We are still testing pistols for optional on and or off duty issue. Some 9mms and some .45s are slated for testing, but we'll see how long it takes to get it done. Don't expect anything soon.

.40 isn't an option, and won't be for the foreseeable future.

Since only 9mm and .45 are the only two caliber authorized in handguns would you say that 9mm will serve you well, or is there a big difference compared to the .40 (real world performance - documented shooting, etc. Like how well does it perform with today's modern jhp bullets). Regardless, moot point i guess since .40 is not even authorized. I have only shot the 9mm when i went to a gun range once.

what do you personally carry on duty?

[SoCalDep]

Since only 9mm and .45 are the only two caliber authorized in handguns would you say that 9mm will serve you well, or is there a big difference compared to the .40 (real world performance - documented shooting, etc). Regardless, moot point i guess since .40 is not even authorized.

what do you personally carry on duty?

I carry 9mm on and off duty. Our department has a good record with the 9mm and I am as confident in it as I can be with any handgun round. I personally do not think there is a big difference in stopping power between the 9mm, .40, or .45, though that's likely to start a caliber war.

[Morning]

I carry 9mm on and off duty. Our department has a good record with the 9mm and I am as confident in it as I can be with any handgun round. I personally do not think there is a big difference in stopping power between the 9mm, .40, or .45, though that's likely to start a caliber war.

Understood, just trying to get a feel of the department's track record in real world shootings.

[Ron-Solo]

I carried the 9mm from 1987 until I retired in 2011. LASD does extensive testing of ammo on a continuing basis. The Winchester Ranger T Series is a great round, and is the only round authorized by the Department in both the 9mm and .45ACP.

Even though I can carry anything I want now that I'm retired, my carry ammo has not changed. It is not likely to change either. I have confidence in the round, and LASD's testing. The 9mm is my preferred caliber.

[cindynles]

The M&P 45 is NOT authorized at this time. It did not pass the strenuous testing. A problem was identified, Smith and Wesson fixed it, now it starts the process all over again. One of the tests is round count without failures, and involves a certain number of pistols reaching 15,000 rounds with only a specified number of failures. It takes a while and each pistol is fully documented and round counts tracked.

Just out of curiosity (the M&P 45 is on my short list) do you know what the problem was with the M&P 45?

[Morning]

I carried the 9mm from 1987 until I retired in 2011. LASD does extensive testing of ammo on a continuing basis. The Winchester Ranger T Series is a great round, and is the only round authorized by the Department in both the 9mm and .45ACP.

Even though I can carry anything I want now that I'm retired, my carry ammo has not changed. It is not likely to change either. I have confidence in the round, and LASD's testing. The 9mm is my preferred caliber.

are you only allowed to use that particular brand of ammo off duty too?

[Ron-Solo]

Just out of curiosity (the M&P 45 is on my short list) do you know what the problem was with the M&P 45?

There was a problem with the bar connecting the left and right side slide release. They broke a couple at 8,000 & 10,000 rounds, so those pistols didn't meet the 15,000 round minimum.

The problem was fixed by Smith and Wesson very quickly, but the tests have to start all over again. I have one and really like it. Buy with confidence.

are you only allowed to use that particular brand of ammo off duty too?

Yes. If you use unauthorized ammo, the Department will slap you with disciplinary action and if you get into a shooting with unauthorized ammo, you are on your own in a civil suit. It's the best ammo out there, so no reason not to use it.

[SoCalDep]

Ditto to everything Ron-Solo said above.