Calgary police eyeing new 9-mm sidearms and lead-free ammo
Calgary’s police force is aiming for a reload, looking to replace aging sidearms with new 9-mm pistols.
Police brass are considering swapping the service’s venerable .40-calibre Glock pistols as the main service weapon for the force, eyeing a similar course as other North American law enforcement agencies reverting back to 9-mm sidearms.
Because the Calgary Police Service is in the midst of seeking approval on its requisition for the new weapons, a spokesperson said they are unable to reveal much in the way of details about the plans.
“It is important for officer and public safety that we replenish guns reaching the end of their life cycle. Part of this planning includes looking at cost-saving measures, such as evaluating types of guns and ammunition that are currently available,” Calgary police said in a statement.
“We seek to find long-term cost savings, in addition to increasing officer safety by evaluating leadfree ammunition options.”
The statement went on to say police are awaiting approval on a sole-source contract proposal for the new firearms, limiting their ability to discuss the details, including what type of weapon is being eyed as well as potential costs. However, it’s expected the process to replace the gun will begin before year’s end.
Les Kaminski, president of the city’s police union, said the move back to 9-mm weapons will make little difference to officers on the street, but may represent crucial cost savings for the service.
“As long as it doesn’t compromise officer safety, I’m fine with it. Quite honestly, from an officer’s standpoint, they won’t see or feel any difference,” said the former member of the tactical team.
“It’ll make very little difference, operationally speaking.”
Kaminski added the move to look at lead-free ammunition is also good news, which he believes will enhance officer safety.
“I know we have had some lead issues in the past — when we’d train people in the range there was always scheduled maintenance going on,” he said.
“If they can find a way for us to use lead-free ammunition, that’s a good thing.”
In 2001, lead contamination was discovered by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety in its old 911 communications centre downtown, which was two floors up from the indoor police firing range. Lead content in several areas tested were determined to be well above acceptable levels.
Calgary’s force isn’t the only one looking to replace .40-calibre weapons, which have become popular with law enforcement over the past two decades.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has opted to return to a 9-mm round, once labelled as ineffective, which was blamed in the 1986 deaths of two of its officers during a Miami shootout, raising concerns at the time about its stopping power. Last year, the agency awarded Glock an $85-million contract for some 13,000 9-mm chambered pistols.
Guns chambered for 9-mm rounds are generally considered easier to fire, more durable and more cost-effective than .40-calibre weapons.