Nashville Police Allowed To Carry AR-15s

In response to the recent mass shooting in Newtown , Conn., and others, the Metro Nashville Police Department will allow trained officers to carry their personal AR-15 rifles inside their vehicles while on duty.

"Deadly events across the United States over the past few years, including, among others, those in Carson City, Nev., Aurora, Colo., and Newtown, Conn., demonstrate the high-powered weapons with which criminals are arming themselves," Metro Police Chief Steve Anderson said.

"It has become increasingly clear that a pistol and shotgun may not be enough for an officer to stop a threat to innocent citizens. This policy change is in the best interest of public and officer safety."

Under the department’s existing policy, a limited number of officers involved in SWAT and canine unit assignments carry those weapons.

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