U. Police hear presentations from makers of semi-automatic guns

Representatives from two firearm companies recently visited University Police headquarters to promote their brands of semi-automatic weapons to police officials. Public Safety Managing Director Thomas Seamon announced in July that the department will purchase semi-automatics for its officers. Seamon's master plan for campus safety included arming University Police officers with semi-automatics. A Smith and Wesson sales representative and a local supplier brought three semi-automatic models to show the police department, Lt. G.J. Leddy said. A Glock representative came separately to display two of his company's semi–automatic weapons, Leddy said. Each company sent weapons they recommend for an urban police department, he said. The salespeople spoke about the safety and caliber options of the weapons they brought and discussed why each model is specifically designed for city use. Police in attendance at the demonstrations include Chief of Administration George Clisby, the department's firearm instructors and a Fraternal Order of Police official, according to Leddy, who also attended one of the sessions. When the department decides which semi-automatic weapons to purchase, all officers will receive transition training before they can carry the new guns, Leddy said. The training consists of eight-hour sessions for three to five days, with time spent both on the firing range and in the classroom. Training topics will include the differences between the revolvers police now carry and the new guns. Officers will also learn how to clean, maintain and fire the new weapons. Semi-automatic weapons must be taken apart to be cleaned, unlike revolvers. And some semi-automatic models have different safety features as well, Leddy said. Current officers will be armed with the new semi-automatic weapons unless they ask to retain their revolvers, and all new recruits will be given the new weapons, Leddy said. Police officials do not yet know when officers will receive the new guns, because they have not yet selected a brand.