800 Handguns Returned by Iowa Troopers, Agents, Others

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A spokesman says the Iowa Department of Public Safety has returned all 797 handguns purchased under a contract that is now under investigation.

The weapons were bought under a master contract awarded to Smith & Wesson to supply handguns to troopers, agents and other law enforcement officials.

The department has hired two retired agents to review whether employees followed purchasing policies. Three veteran, high-ranking Iowa State Patrol officials have been placed on leave during the inquiry.

DPS Commissioner Roxann Ryan last month told employees to return their newly issued handguns after some officers raised concerns about the weapons' functionality. The department hasn't clarified their concerns but Ryan told employees she took them seriously because they implicated the safety of the officers and the public.

Smith & Wesson hasn't returned messages.