I know of at least one place that will ship firearms to police depts all over the country and I always talk about them and post links to there site. Ummmmmmmm I bet allot of Leo's on this forum get there catalog in the mail.I've heard of AR-15's being stolen out of patrol cars parked at a residence. I've heard of many departments that can't afford AR's allowing officers to carry personal weapons (AR's, even saw a few AK's years ago) that they qualified with.
I think its wrong for them to force the officers to pay for an AR. 300 rifles at 1200.00 = 360,000.00. I think they could easily budget this to cover several years of adding new equipment, trying to do this all at once is a bit rediculous IMO. I also think they may be able to find the rifles for a cheaper price.
I think its wrong for them to force the officers to pay for an AR.
Police officers get paid pretty well in major areas, $40K - 90K+.
LEO's get deep discounts on firearms already. I don't see a problem with making them buy their own guns. It's no different than a plumber, mechanic, etc. that has to buy their own tools for the job.
How many of you people have work clothes that you bought? It's part of any job. Police officers already get a work vehicle, work uniforms, etc. courtesy of the tax payers, and I don't expect them to buy the cars, that would be excessive.
Police officers get paid pretty well in major areas, $40K - 90K+. In rural areas I don't see a problem with assisting officers in buying their own guns as they don't get paid that much. Maybe a $100 - 200 voucher towards buying the guns, and a grace period where they can use a department firearm.
For what it's worth, GT's (The Cop Shop) does good pricing for LEO / Mil customers.
In the end, anyone is going to take better care of something that they themselves bought than something that is issued.