As LEOs, we have all faced criminals and gangs before. There are some like as P_aws, Silvani, Massino, and even wannabe killers who manage to find the gun dealer, are often armed with weapons such as AK47s, or Uzis, which have the capability of delivering heavy firepower. In almost every incident involving automatic weapons/rifles, us regular LEOs often found ourselves outgunned and unable to do anything until SWAT, CRT, or FNG got on scene with rifles. As of now, FSP’s only arsenal consists of the Glock 23 handgun, which only has 13 rounds, while some of the weapons for civilians can hold more than twice the amount of bullets and can even fire on fully automatic. Tactical units can’t always be standing by at the right location every time a major incident occurs. We often have to radio for them to respond and that takes time. From them getting the call, entering V2, and getting geared up, to being en route, it takes at least two to four minutes until they are able to actually get on scene and take over. Attacks, especially ambushes, are very quick as in less than a minute and often results in multiple officers dying or seriously injured. We already saw in the Massino attacks against LEOs, especially with the 401 sniper attacks, we were badly outgunned by their increased firepower. This is why there is a need for us to have firepower which matches up with the criminal arsenal. Having rifles will allow us to have a better chance of survival until better trained units can take over. And by adapting to every move, we will be able to continue to effectively serve and protect the public/citizens from danger. A semi-auto AR-15 will do the job as we will have the capability of being able to properly respond to active shooter situations or anything involving automatic weapons in general.
-FSP Corporal sentinelraven
