I too have been in law enforcement for longer then I care to remember. Started carrying a Colt 1911 in the 70's. Tried other guns, S&W, Glock, Ruger, and other Colts. Finally went back to the 1911. I guess age does make you smarter. The 1911 is the best weapon I have found for law enforcement.
As far as manufacturer, Colt makes a good product. Unfortunately you are limited, if you want to buy new, to a 1991 A-1. This is an excellent gun, but I would replace the trigger, (It has a plastic one) and put better sights on it. If you are worried about liability the Colt has an additional safety device that the 1911's do not have. This prevents the hammer from engaging the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled. I feel that this is not a feature that is really needed since 1911's are very safe as is.
Other manufacturers make good products also. Springfield and Kimber make good full size 5" 1911's which are excellent guns and can come with most of the options you want for law enforcement. My first choice for a law enforcement weapon would be a Les Baer "Thunder Ranch Special". Excellent weapon, but about twice the cost of the others.
Bottom line is, it's your choice. I have carried a Colt, a Springfield, and a Kimber. I still have them, and all of them are great. Spent a little more money on the Colt fixing up the way I wanted it. That was my choice, it does not have to be yours. I bought the Thunder Ranch Special and that will be my primary duty weapon from now on.
I you have a department in mind that you want to join, ask them and make sure they will let you carry a single action 1911. Some do not, primarly because of the image it presents. (cocked and locked)
The one thing I can tell you is there is not a better weapon out there for law enforcement than the 1911.
[This message has been edited by JMG (edited 05-30-2001).]
[This message has been edited by JMG (edited 05-30-2001).]