Police Association president Peter Alexander and Commissioner Mal Hyde expressed their opposing views on how, why and when SAPOL should issue its front-line officers with semi-automatic handguns. One member of a panel of politicians - Deputy Premier Kevin Foley, Opposition leader Martin Hamilton-Smith, Police Minister Paul Holloway and MLC Terry Stephens - had something to say on the issue, too. Later, after association officials had reported to the conference, the hardworking delegates got down to some robust debate and firm decision-making.