Police staff told the council they intend to switch officers from SIG Sauer P320 pistols (currently .40 caliber) to the Smith & Wesson M&P9 (9mm) and to outfit the new pistols with AimPoint red-dot sights and new holsters. Staff said the switch is driven by ammunition availability and that testing showed the M&P9 was preferred by most officers during a shoot-off.
“About 80% of all the ammunition made in The United States… is 9 millimeter,” the presenter said, explaining the change to 9mm and citing FBI data on effectiveness.
The presenter told council the AimPoint red-dot sights and the new holsters and leather gear would cost $124,043 and that the department plans to use drug seizure funds for the purchase because it was not budgeted.
Council members discussed timing; staff said the item will come back for formal approval at the council’s next meeting after the presentation and work session.
No vote was recorded at the meeting; staff will return with the formal purchase item for council approval.