Police Competence

27 Mar 08

Good news, for a change:

I just completed an Instructor Clinic at a suburban, Chicago police department. We were at their indoor range where we shot handguns and AR-15s. Company duty guns were SIG 220s, and 226s, G21s and 22s, Kimber 1911s, S&W M&Ps, and SA/XDs. Backup pistols were G26s.

What struck me as the Course progressed was the competence of these young officers! There was not a bumbler among them. Most were range officers and SWAT Team members, and every one was an accomplished shooter and proficient gun handler in his own right. They carry all the time, and most carry more than one gun, plus blades. I may have shown them a few things, but they came to me as competent Operators!

Among my students were four Chicago PD officers, carrying S&W M&Ps and SA/XDs, and these guys were top-drawer! CPD's new chief is himselfa shooter and aggressively pro-training. Refreshing to see a big city have these proficient trainers on their staff.

I am encouraged that, even in a state known for vile, anti-gun politics, we have police trainers who are on top of their Craft, are unapologetically unafraid of guns, and indeed consider themselves professional gunmen.

Things are looking up!

/John