7.1. SR 10-17-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~ Ela~ River Police Department MEMORANDUM FROM: Pat Klaers, City Administrator Jeffrey A. Beahen, Chief of Police October 12, 2005 TO: DATE: SUBJECT: Department Issued Weapons This is a follow-up to a conversation we had last week concerning my recent request to purchase department issued weapons for all officers. In short, we discussed if the choice made between the Kimber and the Springfield XD was made primarily based on economics, and as such, did this potentially prevent myself and others from making the choice we wanted. The answer in brief is yes. The Kimber is a far superior weapon to the Springfield, not so much in terms of accuracy and reliability, but in terms of construction and quality. This does not mean that I am not comfortable with the Springfield, but rather, given a choice-I would, if funding is available, opt for the more expensive Kimber. The rationale for this is very simple. The Springfield XD is an extruded plastic and alloy weapon made in Croatia. They are designed as inexpensive weapons for departments to issue, are reliable, but have a fairly short life time of perhaps 5-7 years. The Kimber is an American made weapon, milled from steel, with no plastic components and built to last 15-20 years with proper care. This is a very simplistic view of a significant issue, as it is difficult to put a price on quality. Will both weapons function effectively as a duty sidearm for our department? Beyond any shadow of a doubt. Is one weapon of significandy higher quality than the other? No doubt, the Kimber is an exceedingly higher quality weapon. The question then remains in the hands of the council and the availability of funding, in determining which of the two weapons we should purchase, if allowed by the council, for issuance as a duty sidearm. As stated in my previous memo, the cost for complete issuance of the Springfield XD is $16,764. The cost for the Kimber is $26,987.20. I will be present at the council meeting to discuss this issue with the council and answer any questions that you may have.