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Odessa police to swap .40 caliber pistols for 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P handguns; council approves
Summary
Council approved the police department's request to exchange its .40‑caliber SIG P320 pistols for 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P 9 handguns in a budget‑neutral, one‑for‑one swap, citing ammunition availability and performance tests.
The City of Odessa City Council authorized the Odessa Police Department to change its issued officer handgun from the SIG Sauer P320 (.40 caliber) to the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 (9mm) after a departmental presentation and a firearm comparison test.
"The vast majority of ammunition that's now manufactured in the United States is 9 millimeters," Odessa Police Chief Kirki told council during the item. Chief Kirki said the department conducted a "shoot‑off" between the SIG, Glock and Smith & Wesson and that officers preferred the Smith & Wesson M&P 9. He also said FBI data shows modern 9mm ammunition performs comparably to .40‑ and .45‑caliber options.
Chief Kirki said the swap is a one‑for‑one exchange and budget neutral: the city will send its old guns to the vendor and receive the new handguns without a net budgetary outlay. During discussion, Council member McConnell listed operational advantages including lower recoil, higher magazine capacity and lower ammunition cost.
Council member Thompson moved to approve the change and Council member Haney seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.
