How many PDs are buying full-auto weapons? Why?

[jlbraun]

If I as an upstanding citizen can't buy it, then police departments should be restricted from buying it as well.

 

[SoCalShooter]

Full auto is a lot of fun but it still really only has a military application but I do not see why a law abiding citizen should not be allowed to own one.

 

[simon]

Torrance, Ca PD motor officers have FA MP5's in a special mount on their bikes that I've seen. There was even a pic on the net a couple years ago, then I went looking for it, & found its true.
El Segundo,CA pd has FA AR15's w ACOG's in patrol cars.They also have 2 armored cars.
For a population of around 20K(if that)

 

[strangelittleman]

On the subj. of armoured cars.....yes absolutely! great for rescuing mass casualty victims and downed officers during an ongoing incident such as active shooter scenarios(in schools, shopping centers/malls, sporting events) also great for other specialized/anticipated actions.

 

[Coronach]

Most agencies around here might have select-fire weapons for their tactical teams, but even then they're used on SEMI most of the time. There are instances in which FA is appropriate in LE, but they're pretty few and far between.

In addition to obtaining FA weapons, the agencys that I am familiar with are also obtaining armored vehicles. They must be expecting something big to happen.

Not at all. My PD has had a "tank" (an old Peacekeeper armored vehicle) for years now. Most large PDs have. They're useful in armed standoff/barricade situations to shuttle officers to positions that they could not get to without being exposed to fire, and to conduct negotiations (drive tank up, throw phone into house), and to directly observe/survey the building without being shot at or having to crouch behind cover 100 yds away. If you finally have to assault the building, they can be used to move the team into position without them having to cross open ground.

Mike

 

[Coronach]

Also, just because a weapon can be FA, doesn't mean it is. For instance, our patrol riflemen all carry M16A1s. The M16A1 is a full auto weapon. However, ours have had the go-fast widgets removed. They're Semi-only.

Mike

 

[seeker_two]

Powderman: Could you describe a situation or two where you feel that a full-auto, belt-fed machine gun like the M249 would be appropriate for law enforcement duties? (I've already outlined one---dealing with the Mexican army on the southern US border....)

I would more readily support LEO's having access to grenade launchers (i.e. M79, M203) than SAW's. IMHO, any weapon that is restricted from "civilian" ownership (i.e. post-'86 FA's) should not be allowed to be owned by law enforcement organizations or individual LEO's either. But I also support legalizing them for ALL law-abiding citizens to possess, carry, and use for sport and self-defense.

All for all.....or none for none.....

 

[MD_Willington]

My department is strictly semi-auto. County issues full-auto MP-5s to their SWAT team.

I know that to be similar with Moscow PD in Moscow Idaho... my neighbor used to work for Moscow PD and he was allowed to use an MP5 when they had a range trip...


Typical elitist crap, the Mayor of Moscow and the assistant police chief are anti's and want all kinds of gun control there...

 

[Gunnerpalace]

Zombie outbreaks (sorry I could not resist).

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I've said it before, as have hundreds if not thousands of others: If you don't like the law, CHANGE IT. You do NOT have to take what politicians stuff down your throats.

You have the most potent weapon in the United States, if not the world--the vote. Use your vote to effect change at all levels of government. It can be done, and it can be done peacefully, if enough of us take it to the ballot box.

It's up to you and me, folks.

We've (gun owners) been trying to since 1934
It's hard to change the laws democractically when the rules for the few are determined by the masses.

I'm not against police having FA, and you can bet I'd love to be issued one if I was a LEO. Probably about as useful in most police situations (even ones requiring a rifle) as an air strike. But it would still be fun to have a giggle-switch without the $13,000+ for a 21+ year old gun aspect. I'd love to at least get rid of the hughes amendment so those so inclined would be more able to afford a MG without the gov't-induced supply cap.

 

[pete f]

I can understand armored vehicles and I can understand the need for reserved full auto. but not in every squad car. I too think that North hollywood would have been stopped faster by a 30-30 with a peep sight than with an MP5. a 60 yard mellon shot is what is the need in most cases.

That said, I can even understand the need for a belt fed in some places, scenarios would include places like a power plant, lock and damn, big transport center where some terr's are trying to cause serious damage of a massive kind and have a perimeter set and are working at causing massive upset. An older Cadillac Gage armored car that can lead an attack with suppressive fire would be called for. How many times has this type of attack occurred? Many many time, just not here, yet.

Does every cop shop need one? no. Can they be somewhat rationalized as an area asset, yes, but I think risk assessment can be used to help position resources in a good way.

 

[Geronimo45]

Just a quick question re: LEOs with FA weapons... are they only allowed to use them when on duty (if then), or are they allowed to take the things home when their day ends?

 

[bogie]

From what I understand, the city of Wellston (part of the St. Louis Metro area, and not all that nice a part either...) still has an M2 .50 Cal Browning machine gun... They've had it forever.