What is the primary benefit of using hollow-point ammunition for law enforcement?

The primary benefit of using hollow-point ammunition for law enforcement is that it expands upon impact, which reduces the chance of over-penetration. This characteristic is significant in law enforcement scenarios where minimizing risks to innocent bystanders is paramount. The design of hollow-point bullets allows them to expand in diameter when they hit a target, creating a larger wound channel and transferring more energy to the target while also effectively stopping the threat. This expansion helps to prevent the round from passing through the target and hitting unintended targets behind it, which is a critical consideration in populated areas where law enforcement often operates.

Other factors such as noise level, cost, and magazine capacity are not the primary considerations for the use of hollow-point ammunition in law enforcement contexts. While quieter ammunition might be beneficial in certain operations and factors like cost and capacity can influence choice, the primary aim with hollow-point ammunition is to enhance safety by limiting over-penetration and ensuring that threats are neutralized with the least risk to bystanders.