Most guns that police come into possession of are guns that are turned over to them by citizens who want the police to "dispose" of them.
The disposal of property was less strict 40 years ago, than it is now.
Police are presented with more temptations than most people.
The fact that this officer ignored a court order shows that he was way out there.
Like I said, this isn't the first time this one went over. His buddies in blue have seen him do it and were either involved his other crimes or simply looked the other way. That's why I don't trust any cops.