The Springfield, MA, Police Department announced in early November, 2010, it would equip all of its officers with Smith & Wesson M&P pistols as their primary sidearm. The M&P40 will be issued to each officer to replace pistols that had previously been in service at the department. Springfield PD has received a total of 580 M&P40 pistols and is currently in the process of transitioning officers over to the new firearms.Officials within the police department indicated the M&P40 would provide a safe and innovative firearm that will allow its officers to best serve and protect the citizens of the city. The department added that the pistol was well suited to meet the needs of the department's diverse officer makeup, noting such features as the firearm's interchangeable grips sizes and ambidextrous controls.
"Throughout history, Smith & Wesson and the Springfield Police Department have enjoyed a long-standing partnership," said Leland Nichols, vice president of Sales for Smith & Wesson. "It is with great pride that we continue to build that relationship today. We look forward to working closely with the men and women of the Springfield PD, as together we remain focused on exploring new and innovative ways to best assist the citizens of our great community and state."
Each of the Smith & Wesson M&P40 pistols will be laser engraved with "Springfield Police Department" on the slide, along with a special control number across the top. In addition to the new duty side arm, the Springfield PD is currently using M&P15 tactical rifles as issued patrol rifles.
During a special presentation at Smith & Wesson's headquarters on Tuesday, November 9th, the company presented the engraved firearms to the Springfield PD Command Staff. As part of the presentation, the command staff was also taken on a tour of the firearm manufacturer's facilities. Several high-ranking officials including Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and the Commissioner of the Springfield PD, William J. Fitchet, attended the event.
