The Lebanon Police Department in Tennessee has outfitted their officers with AR-15s, with officers in the final stages of the required training to deploy them.
Requesting the purchase in response to the San Bernardino attacks, the department finally requisitioned 50 rifles – at around $900 per rifle – in February after the city approved the buy in late 2015.
According to News Channel 5, the rifles were proposed after a Lebanon council member felt police, were not equipped to properly tackle a more serious incident.
“With these guns, they really put the power and effectiveness in the ability to do our job,” Cpl. Steven Green said. “It helps protect the citizens of this town.”
Lebanon police officers are happy to have the new rifles, feeling that criminals hace had the officers outgunned for some time.
“We are the last ones in Wilson County to receive this type of weaponry,” said Cpl. PJ Hardy. “It’s kind of like insurance, you hate to make that payment every month, but when you need it, you’re thankful you have it.”
Since receiving the rifles, the Department has had to make adjustments for locking rifle mounts that are bolted in either beside or over the heads of the officers in their patrol vehicles.
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