Why does the Ada Police Department need 27 M-16 assault rifles?

[Biggsly]

Jeez tons of PD's, big and small, have surplus military FA's in their arsenals. Our department did not but most of the surrounding PD's did. They aren't issued for patrol officers unless they are trained and qualified with them as members of SWAT, TAC or similar teams. Would be fun if you could just check one out and blaze away but it doesn't work that way.

These rifles and more are also located in some places you'd never image. I can't say where but they are government related and if you knew you'd understand why if you thought about it. Anywho, I have no problem with it because should the federal government ever turn on the citizens it's good to know there are select fire weapons in the hands of our local state LEO's because they are more likely to fight on the citizens side. Plus, in the event of some crazy situation like the Hollywood shootout I'd prefer the good guys are equally armed.

I hope you are right. I think alot of LEO will tuck their tail and do as they are told. But, I am one of those guys that think alot of people will hand over their guns when told to. I have nothing agaist LEO having these guns, I just think that I am one of the good guys too.

 

[Shootin 4 Fun]

I'm surprised at how many of you are against law enforcement carrying "military style weapons"........We are the one protecting your rears every day....The military carries shotguns and handguns too, should we not have them? that is your argument. Sounds like most of you are just a little jealous. I haven't heard one VALID reason.

Not to insult you or other LEO, but 1) you aren't the military, and 2) you aren't protecting our rears, we're on our own to protect our own rears, most of the time the police show up after the crime has been committed. The police should be no better armed than the public.

 

[Shadowrider]

I'm surprised at how many of you are against law enforcement carrying "military style weapons"........We are the one protecting your rears every day....The military carries shotguns and handguns too, should we not have them? that is your argument. Sounds like most of you are just a little jealous. I haven't heard one VALID reason.

If that was aimed at me you didn't catch my sarcasm. I fully realize that the group of armed home invader a$$holes that may decide to break down my door are the the same armed a$$holes that you are trying to deal with.

But I'm right there with WillR in post #30. I don't like not being able to have them unless I have a 6 figure income. We are on the same side afterall.

 

[tiasman]

I'm surprised at how many of you are against law enforcement carrying "military style weapons"........We are the one protecting your rears every day....The military carries shotguns and handguns too, should we not have them? that is your argument. Sounds like most of you are just a little jealous. I haven't heard one VALID reason.

The militerization of our police forces is a concern for me because I am concerned about the increasing control of our governments over our everyday lives. In addition, it's fiscally irresponsible, especially if you base the need, as apparently you do, on a shootout from 20 years ago and 1500 miles away. Additionally, your need to brag about a weapon, and rub it in the face of those who were forced to pay for it, seems odd. I'm sure you also know about the supreme court case that says that local police are not responsible for the protection of any citizen. Even if you are not, your city atty is I assure you. Enjoy your toy.

 

[benjamin-benjamin]

I'm surprised at how many of you are against law enforcement carrying "military style weapons"........We are the one protecting your rears every day....The military carries shotguns and handguns too, should we not have them? that is your argument. Sounds like most of you are just a little jealous. I haven't heard one VALID reason.

because LEO are under the control of Obama and all of ya'll know his secret plans of the NWO to overtake us all

 

[LightningCrash]

Why would any PD need a military-style assault weapon?...

For that matter, why would other civilians need assault weapons?

 

[Biggsly]

because LEO are under the control of Obama and all of ya'll know his secret plans of the NWO to overtake us all

Not Obama. He is pro-gun. I have been told many times.

 

[Tuplumber]

I really don't have a problem with local cops having full auto. Who do you think is going to be on your side when the SHTF? The local sheriffs and townie cops will be far more apt to line up on the side of their townfolk than they will the .gov. Besides, when it really goes down, we will know where to go to get the full auto gear.

The supreme court has ruled that the police have no responsibility to protect the general public. While I hope you are right I am not as optimistic as you are. When SHTF we will all be on our own IMO.

 

[benjamin-benjamin]

Not to insult you or other LEO, but 1) you aren't the military, and 2) you aren't protecting our rears, we're on our own to protect our own rears, most of the time the police show up after the crime has been committed. The police should be no better armed than the public.

so if you start with Not to insult does it somehow nullify what you say afterwards.. LEO don't protect us... WOW, it is threads like this that make it evident why almost all LEO's refuse to get on gun forums... as someone who has friends in FBI and PD, i cannot fathom attacking people that put their lives on the line for us... to all LEO's, you are appreciated by some people out here... maybe LEO's should adopt the same idea that the firefighters had on the guy that refused to pay the tax and let his house burn down.. if anything ever happens to people that think LEO's don't protect us, just let them "take care of themselves"....

 

[Buzzdraw]

I think many of the surplus M16A1's get converted to semi-only by the police department armorer before being issued for "patrol rifle" duty. IIRC it eases the paperwork requirements and reduces liability.

One of my sons works for a law enforcement agency, in a state adjoining Oklahoma. This is exactly what their agency is doing, to get carbines into the patrol units, at a low cost.