text: what kind of pistol do law enforcement officers carry?   its dependent on the police departments rules and regulations.  i know that in my county most officers use a glock .40 or .45.  a few officers in the sheriff's office use a 9mm beretta (mostly the detectives).  some departments require officers to use a specific type of firearm, my local department requires glocks, my good good friend carries and xd from springfield armory (much like a glock with a few extra features and its from springfield, good brand)  the police academy trains with hk 9mm usp and glock .40.  when i went through a 4 hour training down there it i used both the glock and the hk 9mm and i have to say i prefer the hk, which the men found interesting.  since than i have been able to shoot a hk .40 usp tactical which is an awesome side arm, however the tactical is more for swat situations, it is a nice added gun to any collection or for the everyday officer who finds him or herself searching several buildings in checks.  we have an old abandoned school that we often get called out to check, so its a nice weapon fo that, easy accessory adapters.  the glocks are alright, but i don't like them.  they kick a little bit more than the hk's, but most officers prefer them.  sorry i have gotten way off base from your question.  its all preference and whatever the department requires or allows.