A recent FBI Ballistic Research Facility study found the P320 discharged nine times without a trigger pull and caused light primer strikes in six other tests.
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department has begun reevaluating its use of the Sig Sauer P320 pistol amid growing safety concerns and national scrutiny over reports of unintentional discharges involving the firearm.
The P320, adopted by Tampa Police in 2018 as part of a department-wide switch from the Smith & Wesson M&P, has since become the subject of lawsuits and safety investigations.
Critics argue the weapon can discharge without the trigger being pulled — sometimes while still holstered. A recent FBI Ballistic Research Facility study found the P320 discharged nine times without a trigger pull and caused light primer strikes in six other tests.
While Sig Sauer maintains that the pistol is safe and attributes incidents to user error, the company has offered a voluntary upgrade program, which the Tampa Police Department says all of its issued firearms have received.
Despite no definitive findings confirming a design flaw, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said the department is taking the concerns seriously.
“This evaluation reflects our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining the highest standards of safety,” Bercaw said. “We are committed to providing our officers with the most reliable and safest tools. They deserve it, and so does the community they protect and serve so bravely every day.”
The department is currently reviewing firearms from multiple manufacturers — including Sig Sauer — with a focus on the most advanced safety features and proven reliability. Any transition, officials say, will be a “deliberate and phased process” with extensive training for officers to ensure safe integration.
Meanwhile, Florida State Representative Danny Alvarez (R-Hillsborough) is urging a more aggressive response.
“This is about officer safety, period. I’ve lost faith in this weapon for our law enforcement community,” Alvarez said. “You cannot look someone in the eye and say you back them and then ignore the mounting anecdotal evidence over the last couple years and stay silent.”
Alvarez, who also serves as General Counsel to the Tampa Police Benevolent Association, is calling for the immediate suspension of the Sig Sauer P320 across all Florida law enforcement agencies. He referenced a recent fatal incident involving an airman and the P320’s military variant, which prompted the U.S. Air Force to pause use of the gun pending investigation.
He’s also calling on agencies to publish transition plans within 30 days, fast-track the review of alternative sidearms, and establish a transparent system for officers to report safety concerns.
“This is not a criticism of Sig Sauer as a company, but a necessary judgment call to protect those who put their lives on the line for us,” Alvarez said. “The time to act is now.”
Several agencies across the U.S. — including Pasco County, Indian River County and others — have already replaced or discontinued use of the P320 following similar incidents.
As for Tampa, Chief Bercaw emphasized that no changes have been made yet, but that any concerns involving officer safety will remain a top priority.