Would Police Officers Get Military-Grade Weapons During a National Attack?

Police departments across the United States already possess a variety of firearms, with semi-automatic AR-15s being among the most common. Many larger departments even have access to military-surplus automatic weapons, such as the M16 and M4, or have purchased new similar models, which are often issued to their Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. This article explores the question of whether police would switch to military-grade weapons in the event of a national attack and clarifies some common misconceptions about firearms terminology.

Current Firearms in Police Departments

Virtually every police department maintains a stock of “patrol rifles,” primarily semi-automatic AR-15s, which are similar in design to the assault rifles used by the military. These rifles are typically of a lower quality than those used by military personnel to save on costs for regular officers. Many larger departments have also applied for or purchased surplus automatic M16s and M4s, which have been issued to at least their SWAT teams.

It is highly unlikely that police departments would acquire extra sets of rifles to keep in the armory for potential use in a national attack. Departments purchase what they believe they will need, add a fudge factor for equipment breakage, and have contingency plans for extreme situations. Additionally, under federal law, law enforcement agencies are explicitly permitted to have new machine guns, so many of them do. The cost difference between a semi-automatic AR-15 and a fully automatic M4 is not substantial, especially given the budgetary constraints faced by most departments.

Myths and Misconceptions About Firearms Terminology

There are many terms that are often used to describe firearms that are misleading and are best avoided. Some of these terms include:

Military Grade: This term is overused and can be misleading. AR-15s, for example, are not “military-grade” as they are manufactured differently and typically have lower cyclic rates and accuracy compared to military-grade weapons. Assault Weapons: This term has been politically charged and often does not accurately describe the functionality or effectiveness of the firearms in question. Sniper Rifle: This term typically refers to a highly accurate rifle used for long-range shooting but is often misused to describe any semi-automatic rifle. Arsenal: While it can refer to the collection of weapons in a military or law enforcement agency, it is overused in everyday language to describe any collection of ammunition or weapons. Banana Clip: This is another term that is often used to describe magazines for semi-automatic firearms, which is incorrect. Fully: Any firearm that does not fire automatically is not “fully” anything. For example, a semi-automatic AR-15 is not a “fully automatic” weapon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, police departments are well-equipped with a variety of firearms, including semi-automatic AR-15s and, in some cases, military-surplus automatic weapons like the M16 and M4. The decision to use military-grade weapons during a national attack is unlikely, as departments would prioritize their existing inventory and any additional resources that they can afford. Terminology related to firearms should be used with care and precision to avoid misunderstandings and to accurately reflect the functionality of the arms in question.