Even in this modern age, the mention of Arizona draws images of cowboys, vast deserts, and blowing tumbleweeds. While cliché in some ways, the imagery at times reflects reality. Arizona is indeed nestled into the American Southwest and is in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. It is far from a collection of dusty cowboy towns, however. One great example of that is the city of Chandler. Once a sleepy agricultural town, it now houses high-tech manufacturing. And the law here isn’t carrying old-school revolvers. The duty gun here is a Glock. It is truly the Arizona SWAT Glock.

Arizona SWAT Glock

The City of Chandler is extremely well run, and the Chandler Police Department reflects that. What started out as a dusty town with one Marshal has evolved into a modern police department with over 330 sworn officers and almost 170 civilian support personnel. A Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®) certified agency, the Chandler Police Department is a forward-thinking collection of professionals. While CPD enjoys the addition of many lateral transfers to its ranks, most officers start as rookies after attending the Phoenix Regional Police Academy.

On an individual level, officers are trained and equipped for anything that could occur on their daily patrols. During 20 weeks of thorough training at the academy, officers are trained on various topics, such as patrol stops, Glock handgun qualifications, defensive tactics, traffic laws, less-lethal weapons, radio use, weapon retention, and emergency vehicle operation. Graduates then move to field training with senior officers until they are ready to work independently.

Desert Survivor

This thorough training results in well-trained officers capable of serving the city well. Chandler is broken into three precincts across the city. Officers serve an ever-growing and diverse population drawn to the city for its weather, economic potential, and lifestyle. As with any major metropolitan agency, it has support divisions, such as K9 units, and unique divisions, such as the Criminal Apprehension Unit, made up of SWAT personnel. Even with various units ranging from patrol to SWAT, the CPD’s commitment to quality equipment is clear. All divisions are issued Glock pistols as their duty weapons.

With over 65% of law enforcement agencies across the U.S. using Glocks, the addition of Chandler PD to that list may seem simple. However, more goes into choosing a duty weapon than one may think. While many people know that Glocks are designed to survive and thrive in austere environments, they generally think of the Middle East or a jungle.

Reliable Performance

As a longtime resident, I can attest that Chandler, Arizona, is one such environment. Chandler is placed smack in the middle of the Sonoran desert, complete with no humidity, temperatures in the 115° range, and dust on a daily basis. Throw in your mummy like dust storm and you will very quickly find out if your gun is up to the challenge. With an average of almost 300 sunny days a year, every piece of gear needs to be looked at for longevity and reliability. While great for tourists, the non-stop sun can cause havoc with equipment and can slowly destroy anything left unprotected. This is where Glock’s world-class reliability comes into play.

Along with a range of supplemental gear, including OC spray and tasers, each department officer is issued a Glock 17 9×19 as their duty weapon. Chandler PD shared with me, ” Glocks have served our agency very well for the last 25 years.” Glock has proven to be an excellent duty weapon, and it meets all the agency’s requirements for a reliable and accurate weapon for officers.

Duty Ready

One of the biggest challenges many officers face is training time on their weapons. At CPD, officers are mandated to qualify once a year per AZPOST and at least eight hours of proficiency training a year. SWAT and Criminal Apprehension Unit members must qualify at a higher standard once per quarter. What is unique is that the department provides at least one day per month “Open Range” for officers to train and work skills. This is a solid policy and one that many agencies around the country could benefit from.

Chandler PD was kind enough to extend an invitation to observe their SWAT team training. The Chandler SWAT team is composed of the best of the best from the agency’s ranks. They have an exceptional reputation in the Valley and around the country. The team is tasked with executing high-risk warrants, high-risk building entries, barricades, and active shooter situations. The diversity of training these officers participate in is a testament to the leadership’s commitment to excellence.

SWAT Glock

I hit the range as the team worked on their regular SCBA certification and training. For the uninitiated, this is the use of a self-contained breathing unit that officers wear on top of all of their other gear. A large SCUBA-like tank on their back is linked to a full-face mask providing oxygen. The applications of such a rig range from protection while doing drug raids to operations in the presence of chemical agents such as OC or tear gas. While the cool factor is high, the weight of the gear and the unique challenges it brings to shooting make it less than a day at the park.

However, officers seemed to manage the gear easily as they transitioned from their rifles to their Glocks. Even with the extra weight and their faces covered, each officer was exceptionally accurate with their G17s. This is a testament to their training and the inherent accuracy of the Glock design. It was an impressive demonstration, and I was disappointed I could not spend more time with these warriors. 

Growing With the Times

The city of Chandler continues to grow as more companies move. They in turn draw employees from the area and around the country. Chandler PD is positioned to grow with it and meet any challenge. An example of that is the recent opening of a new training facility. Phase one of the facility is complete and includes classrooms, firearms simulators, defensive tactics rooms, and driving simulators.

Phase two includes constructing a 15-lane, 25-yard indoor range and a four-lane, 50-yard indoor range. They will also build a world-class shoot house that can be re-configured. Chandler has come a long way in just 106 years. The Chandler Police Department has demonstrated its commitment to professional excellence and equipment. Their use of Glock’s for over 25 years is a dual reflection of the best of the best working together. CPD is poised and ready to protect and serve today and equally well for another 100 years.

For more information, visit: https://chandlerazpd.gov/