Onley council approves purchase of tactical-style 9mm for police department

The Onley Town Council approved the purchase of a 9mm tactical-style weapon for the Onley Police Department during a special meeting on Aug. 14, 2024. The motion to purchase the 9mm Forged 9" Barrel Cerakote Armor Black SBA3 Tactical Brace 8" Rail Mini Can for $1,267.95 was made by Rodney Lang and seconded by Daniel Bloxom; all members present voted in favor and the motion passed.

Chief of Police E.J. Long told the council he issued three bid requests and received responses documenting that two suppliers could not provide quotes because their distributors do not carry the specified manufacturer. Chief Long said Town Police Supply (used by a neighboring agency) reported that it does not carry Brigade Manufacturing inventory. Mayor Ned Finney asked whether the town should consider switching to GLOCK as a procurement path; Chief Long said the department prefers the chosen configuration for the town's operational needs and noted potential downsides of certain weapons in areas with dense housing such as Rice's trailer park. Jamye Salazar, the town clerk/treasurer, said the purchase can be covered from the equipment expense line item.

Council member Brian Corbin said he believed the purchase process used in this case was appropriate; Chief Long stated the same approach would be used going forward unless the town's policy changes. The council took the formal roll-call vote after discussion.

The council did not adopt any change to the town's weapons policy at the meeting; the approved purchase was a one-time procurement action authorized by the motion. No additional funding allocations or policy directives were recorded in the minutes regarding future weapon purchases.