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Police chief seeks replacement of aging carbines; trade-ins and seized guns may offset cost
Summary
Chief Hedlund told council the department is seeking to replace four original carbines from 2007 and add higher-quality rifles and optics; trade-ins and sale of seized/abandoned firearms may offset an estimated $10,000 net cost, and department funds are available if needed.
Police Chief Hedlund told the council the East Grand Forks Police Department wants to replace four carbines introduced in 2007 with newer, higher-quality rifles and optics.
“It's kinda time to replace those,” Hedlund said, describing jams and misfires during training on the older weapons and a desire for more modern equipment. Hedlund said the department has expanded its fleet since 2007 and has outfitted additional vehicles, including one converted to a full-time squad car and a K-9 vehicle that required a carbine.
To offset costs, Hedlund said the department would trade in six existing rifles and sell “half a dozen miscellaneous guns” taken in as abandoned property or through asset forfeiture; he said staff were soliciting bids and might sell to a company buying the trade-ins or seek local buyers.
Helms asked whether the current weapons still function; Hedlund said they do but are experiencing increased training-related malfunctions. Hedlund estimated the department’s net cost could be “around $10,000” and said funds are available within patrol small tools and equipment and additional small-tools budgets in investigations and administration if amounts exceed patrol’s allocation.
The work session record shows Hedlund presented the request and answered questions, but no formal council vote to declare the firearms surplus or authorize purchase was recorded in this meeting.
