By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Grand Blanc Township Board approved a purchase of 50 Glock Gen 6 9 mm handguns to replace Sig Sauer P320 service pistols, citing safety concerns.
• The decision follows reports of unintended discharges involving the P320 model nationwide, including incidents involving law enforcement.
• The purchase includes new Aimpoint sights, magazines and Safariland holsters to support the transition.
• Each department officer will undergo training on the new Glock handguns, which are similar in size to the former pistols.
• The township may sell its existing Sig P320 pistols back to a distributor to help offset costs.
GRAND BLANC TWP, MICH. — The Grand Blanc Township Police Department in Michigan will transition from Sig Sauer P320 handguns to Glock Gen 6 9 mm pistols after the township board approved the purchase Thursday, officials said.
The approved $48,256.50 procurement includes 50 Glock Gen 6 pistols with Aimpoint sights, three magazines per weapon and new Safariland holsters for department officers.
Chief William Renye and township leaders cited a rise in reports of unintended discharges involving the Sig P320 platform nationwide, including instances in which pistols fired while holstered, as a primary factor in recommending the switch.
The department has used the P320 as its service handgun for about seven years, transitioning from the earlier Sig model, and plans to provide training for officers on the Glock pistols over the coming months.
Renye said the department’s existing P320 pistols could be sold back to a distributor to help offset acquisition costs, and officials noted that Glock Gen 6 pistols are similar in size to the outgoing firearms but require new support equipment.
Authorities will implement the new handguns once personnel training concludes, with additional details expected as the transition progresses.