Washington police departments are voicing strong opposition to a recently enacted ban on the widely used Sig Sauer P320 handgun by the state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission. This controversial decision requires recruits from various agencies to train with a different firearm model, raising concerns about officer preparedness and safety. Bellevue Police Chief Wendell J. Shirley has called the ban “outrageous,” emphasizing the need for further discussion amidst budget considerations and training implications.
Emails reveal that multiple police leaders are worried about the potential hazards posed by the alternative training firearms, which some have criticized as poorly maintained. The P320 has come under scrutiny due to incidents where it reportedly discharged unintentionally, including a troubling event involving a recruit at the academy’s training center. In response, Kitsap County has begun the expensive transition to a new weapon model, allocating up to $400,000 to ensure the safety and reliability of their officers’ firearms.
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