Smith & Wesson to provide M&P pistols for LASD

The US Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has awarded a firearms contract to Smith & Wesson to provide new service firearms from the M&P pistol series.

Under the five-year contract, Smith & Wesson will provide M&P9 pistols for LASD to replace currently issued non-Smith & Wesson firearms.

The company will also support the agency with services including armourer classes and transitional training.

Los Angeles County sheriff Leroy D. Baca said the Smith & Wesson’s partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has provided modern attributes and capabilities to a duty handgun, which is critical in enhancing the safety of the personnel and the communities they serve.

"It is the goal of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to provide our personnel with the highest quality law enforcement equipment available."

The M&P9 pistols provide the LASD the ability to disassemble the firearm without pulling the trigger and include other standard features such as customisable grip inserts, ambidextrous operating features.

Smith & Wesson President and CEO James Debney said, "We are proud and honored to support the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who dedicate themselves to the tireless support and protection of their communities."

Currently, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employs approximately 13,000 sworn and non-sworn personnel who are issued duty handguns.