Politics & Government
County Supes Reject Ordinance Allowing Peace Officers to Buy Used Service Weapons
The original intent of the ordinance amendment was to allow sworn officers of the sheriff's department to buy their assigned service weapons once they become outdated and are replaced by newer models.
By Bay City News
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors rejected part of a
proposed ordinance amendment today that would have allowed the sheriff's
office to sell more than 700 guns.
Supervisor Don Horsley, who served as San Mateo County sheriff for
nearly 14 years, said the original intent of the ordinance amendment was to
allow sworn officers of the sheriff's department to buy their assigned
service weapons once they become outdated and are replaced by newer models.
"When you're a peace officer and you carry a gun, it becomes a part of you," Horsley said.
During the coming year, the sheriff's office reported that more than 300 service weapons will be replaced as the department purchases new Smith & Wesson guns.
"As a result, the sheriff's office inventory of 355 current duty pistols and approximately 400 old duty firearms will no longer be needed," Sheriff Greg Munks said in a letter to the board.
The current ordinance, which was adopted in 1999, prohibits the county and county law enforcement officials from selling any county-owned
firearm.
The proposed amendment would have allowed the sheriff's office to
sell its old duty guns deemed "surplus property" to sworn officers of the
sheriff's office, firearm manufacturers or another law enforcement agency.
The sheriff's office said the sale of its old duty guns could raise up to $150,000 for the department.
Supervisor Dave Pine said he was concerned that selling old duty
firearms to gun manufacturers would risk sending more guns into "the general
population."
Supervisor Adrienne Tissier said the amendment should include language that would only allow deputies to buy their own service weapons, and
not multiple firearms.
"I don't want anyone to be able to buy four or five guns," Tissier said.
After a brief discussion, the board agreed to pull the proposed
amendment and rewrite it to specify that sworn duty officers will be able to
purchase their own service weapons for a nominal fee once they are replaced
with newer models.
The new proposal will not permit the county to sell retired
weapons to gun manufacturers or other agencies when it is reintroduced to the
board at a later date.
Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
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