"What model of 9mm doesn't have a safety and how did you detect that from observation? I assume the police did not let you inspect the weapon...." Police told me - they were a little freaked out and I think were trying to find a way of conveying the seriousness of the situation - apparently they take 9 Mil's more seriously than a run of the mill .22 or .25 which they see everyday and think of as standard bad guy issue.
I don't know much about handguns but the police said that many 9 Mil's don't have safetys - including (interestingly) the Glocks carried by NYC Cops
Glock safety is a small lever in center of the trigger. Prevents the weapon from firing until the trigger is pulled.
Most important safety on any weapon is between operator's ears.