SIG Sauer Inc. has announced that the El Monte (CA) Police Department has selected a full package of SIG Sauer products to create a solution for the department's mission. The package includes pistols, rifles, suppressors, and electro-optics.

Founded in 1912, the El Monte Police Department's 123 sworn officers serve an area 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Initiated through the department's SWAT division, SWAT Team Leader Sgt. Mark Snook began the acquisition process with handguns in both 9mm and 45 auto from various manufacturers as well as a rifle and suppressor package in 5.56 NATO. SIG Sauer submitted the latest version of the SIG MCX rifle equipped with an SRD556 suppressor.

"The overwhelming decision was the SIG 226 and 229 in 9mm and the 220 in 45 auto," said Sgt. Snook. "I, along with the rest of the SWAT team, pushed for the Legion models as they are the top of the line SIG models, and they already include all of the upgraded features we were looking for."

Upon seeing the SWAT acquisition, El Monte Police Chief David Reynoso determined the new firearms were the best option for their officers, and expanded the acquisition to supply the entire department with the new handguns.

The SWAT team also selected the SIG Sauer rifle and suppressor package for duty use. The rifles submitted for evaluation included SIG Sauer Electro-Optics ROMEO4T red dot sights and JULIET4 magnifiers. Although the department wasn't looking to acquire new optics, the officers involved in the evaluation process determined the electro-optics products were superior to their older red dot sights, and have begun the process to add them to the acquisition.

"We have a long history of providing the best quality firearms for law enforcement use; it's exciting to be able to create a solution tailored to meet the mission of any department," said Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales. "We are humbled that officers trust their lives to our products."