The issue with some cops not having the best accuracy is because they don't get enough training. WHY? Because money. Welcome to the world of politics.
That can't be true, because we militarize the shit out of our cops by giving them vehicles that were deployed to Afghanistan in wars, full swat attire for them to serve warrants, etc. On top of that, they get tons of free shit (individually) from shops to encourage their presence. That's why you see cops hanging out at gas stations all the time. Free coffee, free snacks, and a place to chill until they get a call to go do something. Same reason businesses give them discounts (to encourage their presence). On top of that, around here at least, they do pretty alright. They don't make doctor or lawyer money, but then again it's a job all you need a HS diploma or GED to do at minimum. But money wise, they do alright. (I understand in some cities cops get paid shit, around here, with our low cost of living, they're above average on the pay scale).
I forget what the original training consists of, but you pretty much just have to shoot a paper target enough times in the kill-zone and you're good. I forget how often you have to re-qualify. So, unless a copy is a gun enthusiast himself he may only shoot a gun in his career as a police officer
only when needed to re-qualify.
Most hobbyist like to go to the range as often as possible, or shoot in their backyard if they live in a rural area where it is safe to do so (proper backstop).
I've got my lifetime license to carry a firearm, I never have to renew it (only update my address when/if I move). My state of Indiana publishes all statistics regarding carrying licenses (which is NOT needed to own or possess a firearm, only needed to carry it on you either concealed or openly) here:
http://www.in.gov/isp/2963.htm Keep in mind Indiana has about 6.5 million residents. Add the numbers, do the math and try to figure out what percentage this state alone has between legal, law abiding citizens to
carry. Then forget that number and realize that it's not at all an accurate representation of Joe farmer down the street or Marry so-and-so who has guns legally, but just doesn't have a carry license.
What am I ranting about? I forget. Oh yeah, cops and guns. Why do people call the cops in situations where they feel that their life may be in some sort of danger? Because they want to roll the dice and see if they can survive another 15 minutes waiting for a cop to show up? No, that can't be it. Oh yeah, because cops have guns. And most cops, as mentioned above, just do the bare minimum of what is required of them to carry on the job.
I'm not knocking cops. They have a relatively boring job unless in a crime ridden city, round here most of them do paperwork after responding to mundane disturbances with the odd day of excitement. It's not a job I would want to do.