Police firearms

Question
Hi there, I'm writing a short story, and wondered if you could tell me what the standard issue for LA cops is right now?

Also, if you were going up against the authorities, what would be your handgun of choice?!

Many thanks for your time,
Joe

Answer
Joe:

1) As I do not do any work with LA, I do not know what their issue is.  According to the rags, their SWAT is using Kimber Tacticals for handguns.

2) A handgun is a reactive tool, designed to stop a fight that someone else started.  No handgun is particularly effective.  Most often the incapacitation effect of a handgun is psychological, not physical.  People who have been hit with handgun rounds stop the fight because they don't want to risk getting hurt further, not because they've been physically compelled to.  If I KNEW I was destined for a fight, and couldn't avoid it, my handgun of choice would be rifle.  But regarding choice, no handgun in a given caliber (say, .40 S&W) is any more effective than any other handgun in that same caliber.  Different departments choose different handguns based on a variety of factors including how easy it is to operate, how it fits the the hands of most officers, and above all who is the lowest bidder or will cut them the best deal.