Mobile County Sheriff stresses need for state ban on Glock switches

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – In recent years, Glock switches have become a growing problem for law enforcement agencies across the country. That's true here in Mobile County, too, where we've seen them implicated in recent crimes.

“There were a number of them that would normally be seized as a result of narcotics search warrants,” Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said. “We know that in one of the murders in Prichard a few months ago, where the woman was shot in bed, a switch in this gun was used.”

It's a small device that can make a big difference.

“Every time you pulled the trigger, the firing pin fell. This prevents the firing pin from locking and the bolt from moving back and forth.”

When used, a weapon can be difficult to control, even for experienced shooters.

“It immediately lost control, probably after the third round was fired,” firearms instructor David Robinson said. “The weapon fires approximately 1,200 rounds per minute, or 20 rounds per second.”

State Representative Matt Simpson says the bill was brought up during last year's legislative session, but there was no time left to get it through the Senate. While Glock switches are already illegal at the federal level, he says passing this law would mean more for prosecutors and law enforcement at the state level.

“Right now the way it works is if I stop you and you have a Glock switch or a trigger, then we confiscate the gun and it could be 3, 6, 8 months before you are charged,” Sheriff Burch said.

“This just gives the state more opportunity to step up and protect our citizens rather than waiting for the government, and for some reason the government has not been overly aggressive in prosecuting these types of crimes,” said State Representative Matt Simpson.

Sheriff Burch says this also underscores the need for a shooting bill because these weapons are difficult to control and can often injure innocent bystanders. Rep. Simpson says he expects to vote for this bill again as long as there is a similar amendment. Last year it said the Glock switch only applies to handguns.

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