From a
contracting notice posted by Social Security on FedBizOpps:
Social Security Administration seeks to purchase ammunition for 39 Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General’s locations. ...
Item: 357 sig bonded 125 grain jacketed hollow point pistol ammunition for law enforcement
Quantity: 209,000 rounds ...
Item: 12 gauge 00 9 pellet buckshot 2 ¾” for law enforcement (250 rounds per case)
Quantity: 25 cases ...
Item: 12 gauge rifled slug 2 ¾” low recoil for law enforcement (250 rounds per case)
Quantity: 31 cases
OIG agents often act as part of federal task forces, i.e. with the marshall service in apprehending fugitive felons and also investigate SSA related fraud. As a federal law enforcement agent they assist other federal agencies in providing support.
ReplyDeleteWhether they work with other agencies or not, they are a law enforcement entity and there is always a possibility that, God forbid, they find themselves in a situation where handguns are not very effective in stopping some sort of aggression.
ReplyDeleteThe perception of the non-shooting, non-law enforcement public is that handguns are extraordinary killing and self-defense devices, but they can be relatively ineffective in many situations. Having shotguns is by no means unreasonable or over the top.
Yes, it does seem like a lot of ammo, but for how many agents and how often are they required to practice and/or qualify. That may be no more than a 12-month supply. The 357 sig round has a bit more recoil, particularly if shot from a lighter, polymer handgun. So the more practice the better (though I have no idea what type of handgun is issued to the agents).
Do OIG agents really need double-aught buckshot to deal with double-check negotiation claimants? In my area, that is pretty much all they bother to deal with.
ReplyDeleteIf the hiring practice of OIG is the same as for other postions in SSA, and I saw one of those bozos draw a weapon, I'd get under something. They would be as likely to shoot themselves or me as any bad guy.
ReplyDeleteProbably need those when people find out there isn't going to be a COLA this year. LOL
ReplyDeleteI am as critical of SSA Management as anyone out there. But, these OIG folks as sworn law enforcement officers and as such they must be equipped and trained to take down the most violent felons that they might encounter.
ReplyDeleteRapists, robbers, and even terrorists also engage in fraud and any of the OIG agents might encounter these violent criminals and be required by their oath of office to arrest them. These are REAL federal law enforcement agents.
The amount of ammo cited is a really small amount when one considers the number of agents and the training needs. Give em a break.
"Do OIG agents really need double-aught buckshot to deal with double-check negotiation claimants? In my area, that is pretty much all they bother to deal with." As other posters noted, OIG deals with much more than double check negotiators. They help apprehend fugitive felons because SSA is notified when a match is found between its beneficiary data base and federal, state and local warrants. This runs the full gamut of criminal activity not just the fraud committed against SSA programs. The local field office employees would not usually be notified of these apprehensions.
ReplyDelete