FINDLAY, OH (Toledo News Now) -
Findlay
Police will be carrying semi-automatic guns this spring after getting the green-light
from the chief.
The
officers will be carrying AR-15s, similar to M-16s. Chief Greg Horne said he
was initially on the fence about the idea, but concern for the safety of his
officers led to the decision.
"For
one thing, they won't be as out-gunned as they are now," Horne said. "With a
handgun, in order for me to engage you, I have to get very close."
Horne
said his officers are outnumbered, but the city can't afford to put more
officers on the streets, so he believes the semi-automatic rifles will keep them
safer.
Under
the new policy, each of the 34 patrolmen will have to purchase their own gun.
They cost about $900, but that's not a problem for the officers.
"It's something that they
really feel will make them safer, and the community
safer," Horne said.
The
AR-15s are very lightweight, but extremely accurate. Horne said that's why four
female officers want to carry the gun, as well.
The
new policy may be controversial, but some like the idea.
"Whatever
will protect them," said Wendy Dunfee. "I would much rather our police officers
carry those than the regular public."
And
Chief Horne said as long as regular citizens can get their hands on the
powerful guns, his officers need to have them, too.
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