What Handgun Do Atlanta Police Use?

If you live in or visit Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll see Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers all over the city—from downtown and Midtown to Buckhead and the airport. A common question is: what handgun are those officers actually carrying?

Below is a clear, Atlanta‑focused overview of the standard sidearm, how APD uses it, and what that means for everyday residents and visitors.

The Standard Handgun Used by Atlanta Police

Most large, modern police departments—including in major cities like Atlanta—issue semi‑automatic pistols in 9mm as their primary sidearm.

While specific models and contracts can change over time, APD officers are generally equipped with:

• A full‑size, polymer‑framed 9mm handgun
• With a magazine capacity much higher than older revolvers
• Designed for reliability, durability, and ease of training

Departments often select a handgun platform that:

• Functions well in Atlanta’s hot, humid summers and rainy seasons
• Can be used safely by a wide range of officers, with different hand sizes and experience levels
• Is compatible with holsters, lights, and other duty gear

Because equipment purchases, contracts, and policies can be updated, the exact make and model APD currently issues is best confirmed directly with the department.

Why Atlanta Police Use Modern 9mm Pistols

1. Capacity and Reliability

Compared with the revolvers many departments used in the past, modern 9mm pistols offer:

• Higher ammunition capacity, which is important in rare but high‑risk situations
• Faster reloading using detachable magazines
• Consistent performance when properly maintained

For a busy urban environment like Atlanta—where officers respond to calls in dense neighborhoods, crowded events, and major traffic corridors—having a reliable, higher‑capacity handgun is considered standard.

2. Manageable Recoil and Training

9mm handguns are widely favored in policing because:

• The recoil is generally manageable for most officers
• That makes training and qualification more efficient and repeatable
• Officers can focus on accuracy and decision‑making, not just recoil control

APD officers complete firearms training and qualification as part of their work at the Atlanta Police Academy, located at:

• Atlanta Police Academy
  180 Southside Industrial Parkway SE
  Atlanta, GA 30354

There, recruits and active officers learn how to safely carry, draw, fire, and secure their issued handguns.

How Atlanta Police Carry and Use Their Handguns

1. Duty Holsters and Visible Carry

When you see an APD officer on patrol—in a vehicle, on foot, or working a special event—their handgun is usually:

• Carried in a duty holster on the belt
• Visible to the public as part of the standard uniform
• Secured with retention features to reduce the risk of someone grabbing it

These holsters are designed so that:

• The officer can access the handgun quickly when lawfully needed
• It stays secure during movement, such as running or physical activity

2. Safety and Department Policies

APD has policies and procedures that govern how and when an officer may use their firearm. While the detailed policy language is internal, common elements include:

• Firearm safety rules (safe handling, muzzle discipline, trigger control)
• Authorized conditions for carrying the handgun while on duty
• Use of force standards, including when a firearm may be drawn or discharged

These rules are guided by Georgia law, city policy, and prevailing professional standards for law enforcement.

Where to Ask About APD Firearms and Equipment

If you want up‑to‑date, official information on what handgun Atlanta Police currently use, or more detail on APD training and equipment, you can contact:

Atlanta Police Department Headquarters
226 Peachtree St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone: (404) 546‑6900

You can also direct non‑emergency questions through:

• Atlanta Police non‑emergency line: (404) 658‑6666
• In person at major APD precincts and zones across the city, such as Zone 1 (Northwest Atlanta), Zone 2 (Buckhead), Zone 5 (Downtown/Midtown), and others

When calling, you can say something like:

Staff may refer you to a public information officer (PIO) or community liaison if your question is more detailed.

Why This Matters to Atlanta Residents and Visitors

People in Atlanta commonly ask about APD’s handgun for reasons like:

• Personal safety awareness – understanding the tools officers carry in your neighborhood, at public events, or near schools
• Interest in law enforcement careers – if you’re considering applying to APD, you may want to know what firearms training you’ll receive
• Comparing local laws and practices – especially if you’re visiting from another state or country with different policing norms

Knowing that APD officers carry a modern 9mm semi‑automatic handgun as their primary sidearm helps you understand:

• Why officers may maintain a particular stance or distance in certain situations
• Why they stress clear communication and compliance when giving lawful commands
• How their training and equipment are designed to balance public safety and officer safety

Quick Reference: Key Points About Atlanta Police Handguns

If You’re Interacting With Atlanta Police

Whether you’re a resident or visiting Midtown, the BeltLine, or Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, if you interact with an APD officer:

• Assume the officer is armed with a standard 9mm duty handgun
• Keep your hands visible and follow lawful instructions calmly
• If you have questions about their equipment, it’s generally best to ask after any immediate situation is resolved, and only when it’s clearly safe and appropriate

For non‑urgent questions about equipment, training, or community programs, APD often participates in:

• Community meetings in neighborhoods around the city
• “Coffee with a Cop” or similar outreach events
• Public information sessions hosted by local Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs)

These can be good opportunities to ask officers directly about their handguns, other gear, and training, in a relaxed, community‑oriented setting.

In summary, Atlanta Police Department officers carry a modern, semi‑automatic 9mm handgun as their primary sidearm, chosen for reliability, capacity, and suitability for a large urban police force. For the most precise, current model information, APD’s headquarters or non‑emergency line is the best point of contact.