Tampa PBA Urges Swift Replacement of Sig P320 Following Uncommanded Discharges
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Benevolent Association (PBA) is calling for a replacement to the Tampa Police Department’s standard issued firearm, the Sig Sauer P320, after continued reports of uncommanded discharges have emerged.
“We have seen firsthand, while representing our own officers, that these guns appear to have experienced an uncommanded discharge,” said Brandon Barclay, president of the Tampa PBA. “This is not hyperbole. These are not negligent discharges or key intrusions, as they have been mischaracterized in some reports. When a gun is holstered, then discharges in its holster, on camera, that is not negligence on the officer’s part — that is an uncommanded discharge. More simply, if a gun discharges without the trigger being pulled, it’s not only dangerous, it is unacceptable.”
The Tampa Police Department announced on Friday that they have already initiated the process of finding a replacement firearm.
According to Barclay, it has been becoming increasingly clear that these may not be isolated incidents, but rather indicative of a much larger problem. Nationwide, more than 100 individuals have alleged that their Sig Sauer P320 discharged without a trigger pull, with at least 80 victims suffering gunshot wounds.
Furthermore, a recent FBI Ballistic Research Facility study found the P320 discharged nine times without a trigger pull. The Tampa PBA calls for the full replacement of the Sig Sauer P320, which may include another Sig Sauer weapon platform, with a safer, more dependable alternative to eliminate any potential risks to officers and the public.
This call comes amid broader scrutiny of the P320 platform, including the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command’s decision to pause use of the M18, the military version of the P320, effective July 21, following the July 20 death of an airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming due to an apparent uncommanded discharge. The restrictions have since expanded to Air Combat Command units, highlighting growing safety concerns with the weapon.
“Our officers put their lives on the line every day, and they deserve equipment that matches their unwavering bravery and professionalism,” said Barclay. “We stand ready to collaborate with the Tampa Police Department throughout this evaluation and transition process and will work to ensure that any new firearm is thoroughly vetted and that our officers receive comprehensive training for a smooth transition.”
About The Tampa Police Benevolent Association:
The mission of the Tampa Police Benevolent Association is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida; to promote social, charitable, and educational activities; to ensure fidelity to duty under all conditions; to instill a spirit of benevolence, good will, integrity, and mutual respect among our members and the people we serve; to provide for the wellbeing of our members and their families; to promote and sustain fair and equitable treatment of its members; to provide assistance, protection, and support to members who have been treated unfairly; to prevent unfair labor practices; and to maintain the best possible working conditions and benefits for all members of the organization through the collective bargaining process.
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