The Renton Police Department purchased 35 new rifles and 35 new suppressors, primarily with federal seizure funds and partly with its own, to replace older rifles that had exceeded life expectancy.
The April 7 regular Renton City Council meeting consent agenda included the RPD’s plans to make the purchase. According to the consent agenda documents, the rifles and suppressors would cost a total of $65,550.36.
According to the order, the rifles are Geissele Super Duty 5.56mm 11.5” SBR rifles.
Documents state that $50,000 of the funds will come from the use of the Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certificate federal seizure funds, and $13,555.36 will come from RPD’s budget. The overall costs of the 35 rifles and 35 suppressors are $75,647.25, though the overall cost is lower due to trade-ins. Documents state that $50,812.65 of the cost is attributed to rifles and $24,835.60 is attributed to suppressors.
According to RPD spokesperson Meeghan Black, the department sought to replace its older rifles to ensure that officers are equipped with safe and reliable equipment that has not reached the end of its lifespan. Black said department rifles typically have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, depending on wear and tear or the number of rounds fired through the rifle during training over the years.
Officers regularly train with department rifles throughout the year to maintain proficiency and certifications. Black said the department is in the process of replacing all patrol operation rifles and plans to replace another 35 rifles next year.
“It is important to have well maintained reliable equipment across the board, not just with firearms. Firearms are very important to make sure they are well-maintained and functional,” Black said. “Our firearms range team and ranger master do an excellent job inspecting and keeping equipment lasting as long as possible.”
The department utilizes suppressors because the noise reduction is an advantage. Black said officers use rifles throughout the year during training, using ear protection, but suppressors further reduce the impact of the noise produced when shooting.
