All SCFC law enforcement officers (LEOs) received new firearms in mid-January at Manchester State Forest. Previously, SCFC employees with law enforcement certification were issued Glock 22 .40-caliber pistols.
Each officer now has the smaller-framed, lighter Glock 45 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a modular optics system (MOS), holding 15+1 rounds.
The old Glock 22s had a larger frame and higher-caliber ammunition, but they were considered too heavy and cumbersome for agency needs.
Dropping to a smaller caliber also allows SCFC LEOs to have continuity across state agencies like SLED that also use Glock 45s, meaning LEOs working alongside other state agencies can now interchange magazines if needed.
SCFC LEOs spent two days getting to know their new firearms.
Each LEO went through a qualification course during which they got familiar with the Glock 22 and learned how the optic works.
The training also included drills for using the optic and taping it up so LEOs practiced aiming with eyes only.
Every LEO shot around 200 rounds for practice and was required to shoot 180 points on a target in 50 rounds.
Everyone shot well above the required 180 points.