Title
Retiring Police Officer Service Weapon Policy
PURPOSE: This agenda item requests the Town Council approve a written policy for future police officer retirements when an officer makes a request under NCGS 20-187.2 to purchase their service sidearm.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
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Contact
CONTACT INFORMATION: Chief Chris Atack, 919-918-7407, catack@carrboronc.gov
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
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Council Direction Statement
This agenda item involves a retirement policy for sworn police officers.
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Information
INFORMATION: NCGS 20-187.2 allows a retiring police officer to request that they be allowed to purchase their service weapon from the Town. This agenda item creates a written policy for the Town and the police department for future officer retirements.
Background:
* The Council has traditionally awarded a retiring officer their service firearm at no cost, upon request.
* During the retirement of Lieutenant Willie Quick in July 2023, a Council member raised questions about this practice.
* To inform policy development, a statewide survey of law enforcement agencies was conducted through the NC Association of Chiefs of Police and local agencies were contacted.
* The survey received 14 responses, with 13 agencies confirming they award service weapons under the authority of NCGS 20-187.2. Specific agency details are available upon request.
Local agencies that award duty weapon upon retirement:
Hillsborough PD - if officer has at least 10 years of service with HPD
Orange County Sheriff's Office - if entire career or higher rank
UNC Chapel Hill PD - officer can buy for $1
UNC Hospital PD
Pittsboro PD
Siler City PD
Other agencies that award duty weapon upon retirement:
Greensboro PD - officer can buy for $1
Hendersonville PD - officer can buy for $1
Morganton Dept. of Public Safety
Southern Shores PD
NC ALE
Canton PD
Eden PD - officer can buy for...
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