What Guns Do NYPD Use?
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is one of the largest and most prestigious law enforcement agencies in the world. With over 35,000 sworn officers, the NYPD is responsible for maintaining law and order in the five boroughs of New York City. One of the most important tools in an NYPD officer’s arsenal is their firearm. But what guns do NYPD officers use?
What Guns Do NYPD Officers Carry?
The NYPD has a standard-issue handgun that is carried by all uniformed officers. As of 2020, the standard-issue handgun is the Sig Sauer P226. The P226 is a full-size, semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It has a 17-round magazine capacity and is equipped with a tritium night sight.
In addition to the standard-issue P226, some NYPD officers may also carry handguns from other manufacturers, such as the Glock 19 or the Smith & Wesson M&P. These handguns are typically used by specialized units, such as the Emergency Service Unit (ESU) or the Counterterrorism Bureau (CTB).
Handguns Used by NYPD Specialized Units
| Unit | Handgun |
|---|---|
| ESU | Glock 19, Sig Sauer P229 |
| CTB | Glock 19, Sig Sauer P226 |
| SWAT | Glock 19, Sig Sauer P226, Heckler & Koch USP |
| Canine Unit | Sig Sauer P226, Glock 19 |
Rifles and Shotguns Used by NYPD
In addition to handguns, NYPD officers also use rifles and shotguns in certain situations. The standard-issue rifle used by the NYPD is the Remington 700 Police. The Remington 700 is a bolt-action rifle chambered in.223 Remington and is used by the NYPD’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU).
The standard-issue shotgun used by the NYPD is the Remington 870 Police Magnum. The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12-gauge and is used by the NYPD’s ESU and CTB units.
Less-Lethal Options Used by NYPD
In addition to firearms, the NYPD also uses less-lethal options to de-escalate situations. Some of the less-lethal options used by the NYPD include:
- Stun guns: The NYPD uses Taser X26P stun guns, which can deliver a 5-second, 50,000-volt shock.
- Rubber bullets: The NYPD uses rubber bullets, also known as beanbag rounds, which are designed to cause minimal injury.
- Pepper spray: The NYPD uses OC spray, a type of pepper spray that is designed to cause temporary discomfort and disorientation.
Why Do NYPD Officers Choose These Guns?
So, why do NYPD officers choose the guns they do? The answer lies in a combination of factors, including training, tactics, and practicality.
Training: NYPD officers undergo extensive training in the use of their firearms, including live-fire training and scenario-based training. This training helps officers develop the skills they need to effectively use their firearms in a variety of situations.
Tactics: The NYPD has developed a range of tactics for using firearms, including the use of cover and concealment, the importance of maintaining a safe distance from suspects, and the need to use minimal force.
Practicality: The guns used by the NYPD are chosen for their reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. The Sig Sauer P226, for example, is known for its durability and accuracy, making it a popular choice for law enforcement agencies around the world.
Conclusion
The NYPD uses a range of guns, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, to help keep the streets of New York City safe. From the standard-issue Sig Sauer P226 to the specialized guns used by the ESU and CTB, each gun is chosen for its unique characteristics and the role it plays in the NYPD’s arsenal. Whether it’s a handgun, rifle, or shotgun, the guns used by the NYPD are an important part of the department’s efforts to keep the city safe.
