Police department to get new weapons

Officers at the McMinnville Police Department will receive 31 weapons for just over $5,000. New Glocks will replace the 12-year-old ones.

Although the weapons are in working order, the tritium sights are due to be replaced. According to McMinnville Police Chief Charlie Sewell, they are so dull it makes it hard to see at night. Because of this, the department’s 2007-2008 budget held enough money for new weapons.

While taking bids, Craig’s Firearm Supply offered to sell the department Glocks for $419 each, sights included. Trading in of the old weapons would reduce that amount by $250.

Going with this company will give the department brand new weapons for $169 each. The replacement sights alone cost $100 each. Because this is the same weapon already used by the department, nothing else will be needed and no new training required.

Alderman Rick Barnes voiced his opinion that the department does not need new weapons after 12 years when he stated, ‘I love firearms. I have a few of them. If it only lasts 12 years, you need to go with Smith & Wesson.’

Although the department received a bid from a company offering Smith & Wesson handguns for $1,000 less than the Glock bid, switching over will cost more. Officers will have to undergo training and new holsters will have to be purchased – an added cost around $5,000.

Every weapon has a life expectancy. When a weapon is used often, as the department does in practice shots, the life is shortened.

‘When a person, like myself, keeps a weapon at the house, we shoot 150 to 200 rounds a year. We fire 200 rounds all the time. After 12 years, there is metal stress and parts that have to be replaced,’ said Sewell.

Subtracting what the department will have to spent on new sights, the weapons will cost only $69 for brand new weapons prompting Sewell to add, ‘For $69 we can get brand new weapons. I think that is a good deal.’

Safety Committee members voted 2/1 to allow the purchase, with aldermen Donald Hillis and Bobby Kirby voting for and Barnes voting against.

Officers in uniform will get the full size Glock .22 and the rest will get a smaller Glock .23.