Why a gun that's been banned from WA's police academy is still being used by officers

Soundside

Several law enforcement agencies across the country have decided to replace a popular model of pistol due to concerns about misfires – the guns have been reported to fire accidentally, even when in their holsters.

Washington’s police academy earlier this year banned the firearm at all its training facilities. It’s a move that’s drawn protest from several local police departments.

In some cases, when agencies choose to replace the guns, they aren’t being sent to a landfill, or a recycling center.

Instead, they’re being sold to dealers, who may put them back in circulation to the public.

That’s the latest from a new report from Mother Jones and The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence in America.

Guest:

• Ava Sasani is the assistant editor of The Data Hub - an initiative by The Trace, the only newsroom dedicated to reporting on gun violence. She’s also the co-author of the story “A Gun Deemed Too Dangerous for Cops, but Fine for Civilians” - created in partnership with Mother Jones.

Related Stories:

• A Gun Deemed Too Dangerous for Cops, but Fine for Civilians - Mother Jones
• One of America’s Favorite Handguns Is Allegedly Firing On Its Owners - The Trace
• WA police departments oppose academy's 'outrageous' ban on Sig Sauer P320 handguns - King5

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