HomeMy WebLinkAboutNB 6 SEMI-AUTO WEAP'S 04-03-89 ~ ~.,,~ ~0. 6
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DATE: 2.9, 1.989
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
~BILL HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FRED WAKEFIELD, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
SEMI-AUTOMATIC WEAPONS
Recommendation-
That Council receive and file this report.
Background:
In my memo dated March 17, 1989, I discussed the history and con-
cerns surrounding semi-automatic weapons as duty weapons for the
Police Department. As I indicated in that memo, the decision to
change or modify duty weapons for the Police Department was not a
decision which should be made by an Acting Chief of Police.
Additionally, since the semi-automatic weapon issue was in the
meet and confer arena, it was not proper for management to move in
this area prior to meet and confer decisions being made.
This is an issue that needs to be addressed. We are doing so.
Interested personnel within the department have been selected to
research and make recommendations on this issue. Seven officers
and two supervisors, representing a cross-section of the depart-
ment, will be looking into this subject from a perspective of:
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Need for a change.
Liability factors involved in making a change.
Training necessary for implementing a change.
Management of proficiency and equipment concerns should
a change be made .
FRED W~KEFI ELD
Acting Chief of Police
It is anticipated that a recommendation will be forthcoming from
this study group within three to four months. This approach to an
issue which has become an emotional one will allow all parties
involved to obtain truthful and accurate informat ion, to have a
better understanding of the duty weapon. Completion of this study
will give the permanent Chief of Police all the background infor-
to make an appropriate decision.
FW:dh