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

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 Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.