Wars squeeze police ammunition supplies across US

"There were warehouses full of it. Now, that isn't the case," said Al Aden, police chief in Pierre, S.D.

Departments in all parts of the country reported delays or reductions in training and, in at least one case, a proposal to use paint-ball guns in firing drills as a way to conserve ammunition.

Forgoing proper and repetitive weapons training comes with a price on the streets in diminished accuracy, quickness on the draw, and basic decision-making skills, police say.

"You are not going to be as sharp or as good, especially if an emergency situation comes up," said Sergeant James MacGillis, range master for the Milwaukee police. "The better-trained officer is the one that is less likely to use force."

The pinch is attributed to the skyrocketing demand for ammunition that followed the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and, ironically, police departments that have stepped up their own practice regimens following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The increasingly voracious demand for copper and lead overseas, especially in China, has also been a factor.

The military is in no danger of running out because it gets the overwhelming majority of its ammunition from a dedicated plant outside Kansas City. But police are at the mercy of commercial manufacturers.

None of the departments surveyed by the AP said they had pulled guns off the street, and many departments reported no problems buying ammunition. But others told the AP they face higher prices and monthslong delays.

In Oklahoma City, for example, officers cannot qualify with AR-15 rifles because the department does not have enough .223-caliber ammunition -- a round similar to that fired by the military's M-16 and M4 rifles. Last fall, an ammunition shortage forced the department to cancel qualification courses for several guns.

"We've got to teach the officers how to use the weapon, and they've got to be able to go to the range and qualify with the weapon and show proficiency," said Captain Steve McCool, department spokesman. "And you can't do that unless you have the rounds."