The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office recently completed its transition to the newest and most modern generation of Glock handguns - the Glock Gen4.

Over the course of the last two weeks, older handguns have been removed from service and RCSO deputies have been issued new Glock Generation 4 handguns as part of ongoing efforts to overhaul and replace aging equipment in use by RCSO deputies. The new handguns will be replacing weapons that in some cases were 15 years old.

"The new handguns are going to ensure that our deputies have the most modern and reliable duty weapons possible," said Sheriff Eric Levett. "This is part of my commitment to improving the quality of issued equipment to the brave men and women that protect Rockdale County each and every day."

The RCSO aquired the new Glock handguns through a trade-in program. Through the progrma, the RCSO was able to trade in its existing duty weapons and other older weapons to purchase the 185 new Gen 4handguns. The overall cost was $393, which was funded using seized drug funds.

As a result, 185 new Gen4 handguns were issued to deputies. At present, all but five deputies have been issued the new Glock handguns. All other RCSO deputies have undergone the required qualification and training, and the remaining five deputies will undergo training upon their return from leave.

The new handguns have a number of features and enhancements that will increase weapon reliability. The most noted enhancements include a modular back strap system, enlarged reversible magazine releases which make the handguns ambidextrous, a dual recoil spring assembly designed to decrease recoil, and a rough textured frame which enhances the grip of the handgun.