In a significant move aimed at enhancing law enforcement safety, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) has announced it will no longer authorize the use of Sig Sauer P320 pistols by its staff or at its facilities. The decision, which takes effect June 16, 2025, comes amid growing national concerns over reports of un-commanded discharges—firearms firing without the trigger being pulled—linked to the P320 platform.
The decision stems from findings in a recent report by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC), which examined incidents involving P320 pistols unintentionally discharging while in use by law enforcement and military personnel. These discharges reportedly occurred without the operator engaging the trigger, raising alarms about the weapon’s mechanical reliability and user safety.
WSCJTC first suspended use of the P320 in October 2024, following a documented un-commanded discharge at one of its training ranges. This prompted a thorough investigation and a formal workgroup review. The workgroup, made up of law enforcement agencies, firearms experts, industry representatives, and state officials, evaluated technical evidence, user experiences, and legal ramifications surrounding the P320’s performance.
The review produced a comprehensive report detailing evidence for and against claims of spontaneous discharges. On one side, proponents of the weapon attributed the incidents to user error or improper handling. On the other, numerous stakeholders presented evidence and case studies suggesting the discharges were mechanical in nature and occurred without external manipulation. These accounts, including lawsuits and technical analyses, painted a troubling picture of the platform’s reliability in high-stakes public safety settings.
DPSST, while acknowledging that not every user has experienced issues with the P320, stated that the accumulation of incidents, combined with the lack of a definitive resolution from Sig Sauer, led to their decision. The agency emphasized that it must prioritize the safety of its training staff, recruits, and the general public over any brand loyalty or cost-related considerations.
In a memo addressed to Oregon law enforcement agency leaders and training personnel, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) outlined its rationale for a significant policy shift. The agency cited repeated concerns from peer institutions, credible reports of malfunctions, and ongoing legal battles involving the P320 firearm model as key factors behind the decision. While no incidents have been reported within Oregon’s DPSST operations, the agency stated that the potential risk—regardless of how unlikely—justifies taking preemptive action.
The ban includes all variants of the Sig Sauer P320, meaning no model within that family will be allowed for use or training at DPSST facilities statewide. It also means instructors and students must transition to alternative service pistols moving forward, potentially impacting departmental procurement decisions across Oregon.
Oregon’s stance mirrors similar actions taken by other jurisdictions. Police departments in multiple states have either suspended use of the P320 or issued warnings to personnel about potential malfunctions. Lawsuits involving accidental shootings tied to un-commanded discharges are ongoing in several states, adding legal and financial pressure to law enforcement agencies that still use the firearm.
For now, Oregon becomes one of the few states to issue a statewide ban within its public safety training apparatus. The move signals a broader shift toward reexamining service weapon standards, especially as law enforcement agencies navigate increasing scrutiny over use-of-force incidents, officer safety, and public trust.
As the debate over the Sig Sauer P320 continues nationwide, Oregon has drawn a firm line in the sand—opting for caution and safety over controversy and risk.