Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Aldermen approve purchase of new duty handguns after department tests
Summary
The police chief described safety concerns with SIG 320 pistols and said the department’s field testing favored all-steel‑framed Smith & Wesson pistols; aldermen approved purchasing replacement handguns and trading in current duty weapons.
The police chief told the board the department has experienced concerns with SIG 320 pistols and described field tests of alternative models. He said the department tested all-steel‑framed options from Smith & Wesson and Springfield Armory and found the Smith & Wesson system performed best in durability and officer proficiency tests: "the Smith and Wesson system seemed to work the best. The officers were more readily accurate with those pistols."
Alderman McKenzie moved to proceed with the purchase of the handguns and trade in the current duty weapons. The motion was seconded and then approved by the board. The chief said departments across the state and nationwide are phasing certain pistols out due to discharge and safety concerns and the city chose a model with a proven performance record in the department’s tests.
