2019-03-21 Standardization Committee Minutes

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NEW BUSINESS Agenda Item 1: Standardize the purchase of GLOCK Firearms and accessories. Mr. Kamelamela made a motion to approve the item and it was seconded by Ms. Ishii. Mr. Koahou - The OPA investigators are currently using an older model .40 caliber handgun. The FBI recently concluded some studies within the last couple years to switch out the .40 caliber handgun to the 9mm pistol because it was better and they were approved to do the switch over. Mr. Koahou - the Police department also switched over to the 9mm handguns (2016). Police agencies tend to go off the recommendations of the FBI because their testing's are extensive. Mr. Koahou — there are a few reasons to switch to the 9mm handgun. The ammunition is less expensive and because it's a smaller, the shooter can shoot faster and more accurate. Has better ergonomics than the .40 caliber pistol which was designed for right handed shooters. New design on the 9mm handgun will better accommodate both left and right handed shooters. Mr. Koahou - OPA investigators are utilizing two different size .40 handguns. Not good for training purposes, twice as much training, and cost more. OPA would like to standardize down to just one weapon the investigators can be confident with. Mr. Kamelamela - when did the Police department did their standardization for the Glock 9mm? Ms. Pacheco - June 2016. Mr. Kamelamela.- the ergonomics of the 9mm handgun use for left and right handed shooters, explain a little more? Mr. Koahou - the firearms we have are 10 to 15 years behind the current generation of Glock handguns and it was designed for a right handed shooter, the grip was designed for a right handed shooter, and the magazine release is located on the right side (when reloading, you have to use your right thumb). This is problematic for left handed shooters. The 9mm handgun accommodates left and right hand shooters and the magazine release is on both sides. Mr. Kamelamela - explain more about the OPA's Glock certified armorers who perform the maintenance and repair of the Glock pistols. Mr. Koahou - the certified armorers are only trained to work on Glock handguns and if the OPA switched to handguns other than a Glock they would have to retrain and the agency would also have to purchase new equipment and tools. Mechanically, the 9mm handguns are similar to the ones the investigators are using so the armorers can continue to work on them. Ms. Sako - since Police have the same guns, would their armorers be able to utilize OPA's as well?