Latrobe police propose new handguns, cite improved sighting, cheaper ammo

Latrobe police are considering a switch to new handguns with advanced sighting optics, citing expected benefits in targeting and accuracy.

The department is proposing to buy Glock 9mm pistols — enough to equip its 14 officers, with a few additional weapons to spare.

Latrobe police would trade in the .40-caliber weapons currently in their armory, for a quoted net cost of $13,887, according to city manager Terry Carcella. He suggested using some of the city’s pandemic recovery funding for the purchase.

Rob Daerr, who is being promoted to captain of the city police department on Friday, said the ammunition for the 9mm pistols is less expensive than what the city force is using. He said that will result in an expected annual savings of $1,125, offsetting the cost of the new guns over several years.

The proposed new guns feature “red dot” optical sights that would make it easier for officers to focus on targets, particularly at nighttime or in low light, according to Daerr.

When officers shoot to qualify with a basic pistol, he said, “You have to align the front sight with the two rear sights,” When police sight on a target in low light, he said, “A lot of times it just doesn’t work without the use of a flashlight in the other hand.”

The red dot optic “allows you to be a lot more accurate and it allows you to see everything a lot more clearly,” Daerr said. “It’s an optic that sits on top of the pistol. You look through it and there’s an illuminated dot that you use to sight.”

“I like the accuracy and the savings,” Carcella said of the proposed new guns and ammunition. “Police officers may go their whole career without firing their weapon on duty. When you do, you want to make sure of accuracy.”

Officer contract, hiring eyed

The city has budgeted for the new captain position filled by Daerr, Carcella said. At its March 11 meeting, city council is expected to consider a three-year contract with Daerr, whose salary would increase from $96,000 in the first year to $99,840 in the second year and $103,834 in the third year.

Latrobe is looking to fill out its three-member civil service commission with the appointment of at least one regular member and one alternate as it prepares to hire a new police officer.

Testing of police candidates, under the civil service process, is slated to begin on March 8.

As Latrobe bolsters its police ranks, Carcella said, it will reassign an officer to take over Daerr’s previous role as the liaison between the city department and a police force at Greater Latrobe School District.