What Kind of Weapons Do Columbus Police Officers Carry?
Columbus Police have a variety of weapons available to them. The most visible weapon is the firearm. Officers are issued a Smith & Wesson model 4586, 45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. It is made of stainless steel and is dependable, easy to operate and easy to clean. Patrol officers also use a special holster designed to protect him or her by making it almost impossible for anyone but the officer to remove the weapon. Officers also have available the ASP collapsible batons. These replace the nightstick or “billy club” that police used to carry. When being carried, it is approximately 8 inches long. When necessary, it can be expanded to approximately 18″ to be used as defensive protection for the officer. Officers also carry “OC spray”, also known as “pepper spray.” This is a special formulation of derivatives of the pepper plant known as oleo capsicum. It is a disabling weapon used for combatant individuals. OC spray is painful but not actually harmful to an individual. Some officers a
