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Ansonia board authorizes police to order new equipment and switch to 9mm handguns
Summary
Following a late communication from the police chief, aldermen authorized procurement of firearms, tasers and a K9 vehicle contingent on financing and approved a switch from .45 caliber to 9mm based on supply and performance considerations.
The Board of Aldermen approved a late communication from Police Chief Wayne Williams on Aug. 13 that asked authorization to proceed with purchases for department equipment once finance arrangements are in place.
Chief Williams told the board the department plans to move from .45 caliber handguns to 9mm pistols after testing ammo availability and performance. "I hope is that these weapons are never used," he said, explaining that modern 9mm ammunition narrows the stopping-power gap with .45 rounds while offering higher capacity and more reliable supply chains for training and operations.
Officials discussed timing and financing; Kurt Miller said purchases would be made only once the finance team lines up funding, often using grant or referendum-related instruments. The board authorized the chief to place orders contingent on financing and approved the procurement authority in a voice vote.
The authorization covers trade-ins, tasers, vehicles, and K9 equipment described in the chief's letter. Staff said no purchase would be finalized until financing is confirmed.
