The upgraded weapons—including optics and lights—will cost an estimated $1.34 million, according to OPD spokesman Eduardo Bernal.
Gun enthusiasts are asking the company to donate the rifles to cash-strapped police departments, Recoil Magazine reports.
Deterrence is not just a matter of having armed personnel or even sworn officers in the schools; it’s having the right officer, with the right equipment, and the right training.
Several police departments have asked the school district to allow [rifle carry] for years, said Margate, FL, Police Chief Dana Watson.
Kentucky police Commissioner Rick Sanders is asking for more money amid talk of budget cuts. He is urging lawmakers to consider his agency's "dangerous" predicament: worn-out cars, a manpower shortage, and relic rifles.
Col. Chris Williamson, commander of the S.C. Highway Patrol, recently confirmed that some front-line troopers wanted the more effective rifles so badly for potential confrontations that about 50 have bought their own in the past couple of years.
"From the highway patrol standpoint, we've already decided that this is a necessity," he said. "We're just hoping that the budget request is honored."
"We just want to be able to match, hopefully, whoever is coming in with the threat of violence," said Capt. Glenn Yorek with Houston Police Department's airport division at Bush Intercontinental.
The Kentucky State Police is struggling with a manpower shortage, an aging and high-mileage fleet, a lack of long guns and failing radio equipment.
The shooting of two plainclothes officers with a high-powered rifle this week was a chilling reminder of something Chicago police have long said: They are outgunned by the city's gangs.