re: SLMPD's new Beretta carbines
As of at least 2000, the SLMPD carried Beretta handguns, I don't know if they still do, so I suppose they could still have a goodly collection of Beretta 92 magazines available.
There were some reports floating around a few years ago that they were going to get rid of the Beretta pistols as they were getting a bit old and worn, but I'm not sure what became of that idea.
Speaking as someone who did some computer consulting at the SLMPD in 1999-2000, and who met Chief Mokwa before he became chief, he always struck me as a real stand-up guy. Don't underestimate the amount of politics that you have to deal with as you move up the ladder, especially in a city police force that's managed like the SLMPD. Compromises to the liberal elements in the city eg) melting down old shotguns, may earn you the clout to do other more important things.
Due to scandals from a long long long time ago, the city police department is actually run by a police board that is appointed by the Governor of Missouri. The St. Louis mayor has a seat on the board, but doesn't necessarily get to dictate what goes on in the police force; 4 or 5 appointed officials do. You can imagine the potential for politics with that many people having a say in what goes on.
As of at least 2000, the SLMPD carried Beretta handguns, I don't know if they still do, so I suppose they could still have a goodly collection of Beretta 92 magazines available.
There were some reports floating around a few years ago that they were going to get rid of the Beretta pistols as they were getting a bit old and worn, but I'm not sure what became of that idea.
Speaking as someone who did some computer consulting at the SLMPD in 1999-2000, and who met Chief Mokwa before he became chief, he always struck me as a real stand-up guy. Don't underestimate the amount of politics that you have to deal with as you move up the ladder, especially in a city police force that's managed like the SLMPD. Compromises to the liberal elements in the city eg) melting down old shotguns, may earn you the clout to do other more important things.
Due to scandals from a long long long time ago, the city police department is actually run by a police board that is appointed by the Governor of Missouri. The St. Louis mayor has a seat on the board, but doesn't necessarily get to dictate what goes on in the police force; 4 or 5 appointed officials do. You can imagine the potential for politics with that many people having a say in what goes on.