Which type of ammunition is most commonly used in law enforcement?

Jacketed hollow point (JHP) ammunition is commonly used in law enforcement for several key reasons. First and foremost, JHP rounds are designed to expand upon impact, which increases their stopping power. This expansion creates a larger wound channel, making it more effective in incapacitating a threat quickly. This characteristic is particularly important in law enforcement scenarios where quick and decisive action can mean the difference between life and death.

Moreover, JHP ammunition helps to minimize the risk of over-penetration. When a round penetrates too deeply, it can pose a danger to bystanders or innocent individuals in the vicinity. The design of JHP rounds allows them to expand and transfer energy into the target, reducing the likelihood of exiting the body and hitting unintended targets.

In contrast, the other types of ammunition listed have different purposes. Full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition is more appropriate for target practice or training, as it does not expand and tends to penetrate deeply, which can lead to increased risk in urban environments. Jacketed soft point (JSP) ammunition does expand but is less commonly selected by law enforcement compared to JHP due to its lower effectiveness in stopping power. Practice rounds are typically used exclusively for training purposes and do not possess the stopping power