The Dekalb County Police Department is moving to a smaller caliber firearm. Channel 2's Liz Artz talked to several residents Wednesday who didn't have an opinion on the size of the sidearm used by police officers, as long as it works to protect residents.
Dekalb's director of public safety said the department is making a move to the smaller-round weapon for precision and technological advances.
Artz spoke to an officer who was qualifying with the gun Wednesday afternoon.
"I shot the best score I've shot in quite some time, maybe even ever," Sgt. D.M. Bradbury told Artz.
Eight police officers qualified Wednesday on the new 9mm Glock. The department is moving away from the larger .40-caliber Smith & Wesson.
Dr. Cedric Alexander says the new weapon has less of a recoil and a customized grip to fit any size hand so officers will "be able to put the weapon back on target as quickly as they can."
Artz shot both the Glock and the Smith & Wesson, and noticed a difference in recoil.
The 9mm has been criticized for not having the same stopping power as the .40-caliber, but Alexander said advances in the smaller-round gun has made it a logical choice.
Three-hundred Dekalb officers are now carrying the new sidearm. The department expects it will take at least two more months before the entire force has qualified and is carrying the 9mm Glock.
