Agenda Item Wording:
title
Award Contract to replace Visalia Police Department Handguns - Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with ProForce, not to exceed $241,187.22, to replace Visalia Police Department handguns and associated equipment, and appropriate $271,000 from the General Fund.
body
Prepared by:
Police Chief Jason Salazar, 559-713-4215, jason.salazar@visalia.city;
Police Captain Dan Ford, 559-713-4151, daniel.ford@visalia.city;
Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, 559-713-4250, liz.ybarra@visalia.city
Department Recommendation:
Authorize the City Manager to bypass the bid process and enter into a contract with ProForce, not to exceed $241,187.22, to replace the current duty handgun and related equipment; and appropriate $271,000 from the General Fund.
Summary:
The Visalia Police Department currently issues the Sig Sauer P320 pistol as its primary duty weapon. As a result of recent and ongoing safety issues identified with the Sig P320, the Police Department is recommending the replacement of the current department-issued handgun with the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0. In addition, staff are requesting to replace associated holsters, and purchase ammunition and associated armorer kits and tools needed to train with and conduct maintenance on the new firearms.
The current department issued handgun is the Sig Sauer P320 (P320) which was purchased and deployed in 2021. The P320 has since fallen under heavy scrutiny as a result of multiple uncommanded discharges that have occurred while the firearm was holstered. As a result of these safety issues, law enforcement organizations across the nation are banning and/or removing the P320 from use.
In response to these concerns, the Visalia Police Department has researched new handguns to replace the current department issued firearms. The examination included cost, physical inspection, test firing, and research into the performance history of the firearm. As a result of this research, staff are reco...
Click here for full text