The Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania is changing its official-duty handgun to the Glock 19 Gen 5. The city is the 3rd largest in the state with more than 120,000 residents and is home the Allentown Police Academy, which supports the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The decision to transition to the Glock 19 Gen 5 was made after extensive testing and evaluation. “Our old service firearm was heavy, outdated and became difficult to train with so we researched alternatives,” Allentown Chief of Police Tony Alsleben said. “Glock consistently scored the highest reviews among our law-enforcement partners. We were beyond thrilled with the results. Our qualification scores increased exponentially, and our officers quickly became proficient with the Glock. Feedback from our officers has been 100-percent positive. I highly recommend this firearm for all law-enforcement agencies.”
The Gen 5 pistols are a variation of the M pistol selected by the FBI. Among the enhancements found in the Gen 5 line is the Glock Marksman Barrel, which delivers increased accuracy with enhanced polygonal rifling and an improved barrel crown. Finger grooves have also been removed, an ambidextrous slide-stop lever provides better versatility and control and the company’s exclusive nDLC finish is added.
“Really, what it comes down to is that Glock produces reliable, efficient, effective and user-friendly product,” said Officer Michael Yetter, training officer with the Allentown Police Academy. Once trainees began using the Glock 19 Gen 5 he noted, “The same shooters that had lower qualifications with the previous pistols are now shooting near perfect scores, many as first-time Glock shooters.”
“Glock is excited to welcome the men and women of Allentown PD to the growing Glock family and values the trust they have placed in our pistols,” Glock Vice President Josh Dorsey said. “We recognize the time and effort they have placed on evaluating what pistol is the best choice for the agency and could not be more grateful for the partnership. We look forward to providing continued customer service and support to those who go into harm’s way.”
