Updated: 2:55 p.m.
Daley: Chicago police to get assault rifles
Mayor
Richard Daley said Saturday Chicago police officers will he armed with
high-powered assault rifles when they're on the streets fighting gangs and other
criminals.
"Many times they're outgunned, to be very frank," Daley said
at an event in the Englewood neighborhood. "When they come to a scene, someone has a semi fully-automatic
weapon and you have a little pistol, uh, good luck."
The city's police
officers carry pistols, and Daley suggested they will start carrying "M4
rifles."
Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said the department still is
working out details about the M4 carbines.
"It's very preliminary. It's really under review. It is
something being reviewed. As far as all of the logistics, the training
component, might be premature to discuss it at this point," Bond
said.
Daley pointed out that the Illinois State Police, Chicago SWAT
units and other police departments around the country already carry high-powered
assault weapons. He said the weapons will better match the Chicago police
officers against criminals with sophisticated weapons, such as high-powered
assault rifles.
"We're finding out that the weapons of criminals are
getting bigger and bigger, AK47s, all types of different weapons, because they
can carry assault weapons, it's not a violation of federal law, and that is a
concern for all of us," he said.
2 comments on Chicago police to get assault rifles
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Parts of Chigago are war zones
Yes, like any city, parts are bad areas. Chicago has always had a notorious reputation since Al Capone. I'm not certain when is the last time you have been to Chicago (or if ever) but it a very beautiful and very clean city.
I recall many years ago being in the San Diego area down at Mission beach and I was appalled at how dirty it was! I couldn't believe it! Here, I had thought it would be so clean since they have constant nice weather and there is no excuse for dirt and garbage piling up on the streets and in the curbs and gutters but I was wrong. Chicago is spotless and in the summer months filled with lush plantings and flowers everywhere.
Anyway, if you have not been to Chciago recently (in the past 5 years or so), try to make it to this beautiful city and check it out!