Police chief recommends phasing out Sig Sauer pistols after state litigation; Walther recommended as replacement

At the Feb. 18 Colts Neck budget workshop, the town's police chief reported that legal action involving Sig Sauer pistols at the state level has prompted the department to seek an orderly replacement of its service firearms.

The chief said the New Jersey Attorney General’s office filed suit related to a Sig Sauer model the department uses and that legal advice recommended phasing out that model to reduce potential liability. The department tested alternatives at the range—Walther, Smith & Wesson, FN and Glock—and the firearms unit recommended the Walther model as the preferred replacement.

Committee members and staff discussed funding mechanisms and timing. The chief said state contract pricing will rise after May 14, creating an incentive to approve purchases before that date. Committee members noted possible offsets from firearms‑permit fee revenue (about $22,400 collected in 2025) but emphasized the need to follow procurement rules. Finance staff described options including a pay‑as‑you‑go capital ordinance to speed a purchase and later replenish capital funds through the upcoming budget.

The chief also presented related capital asks: roughly $52,000 for a full equipment replacement package (firearms, red‑dot sights, lights, extra magazines for training) and about $16,000 to replace ballistic vests due this year. Officials discussed trade‑in values but noted manufacturers have not offered credits while litigation remains active; transcript participants also recorded that the manufacturer publicly says it stands by the product.

No formal action was taken; the committee indicated it would consider a capital ordinance and possible accelerated funding at the Feb. 25 meeting to respond to the price‑change window and liability concerns.