Edmonton police plan to spend $3.6 million over the next five years on new Glocks and Tasers.

The officer in charge of the Edmonton Police Service professional development branch called the replacement weapons a necessary expense.

"Really, it is something we have to do," Insp. Trevor Hermanutz told CBC News on Wednesday. "We want to do it as well, but it's more of a have-to than a want-to."

Details of the planned sole-source purchases are outlined in two reports prepared for the city's community and public services committee.

Under a city bylaw, council must approve sole-source contracts over $500,000.

Hermanutz said the Glock .40-calibre pistols officers currently use have a recommended lifespan of 10 years, and most are older than that.