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Rifles Distributed to Chattanooga Patrol Officers

Bernadette Jay
Eyewitness News Reporter

Jason Clouse
Eyewitness News Photographer

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) - Chattanooga patrol officers are getting an upgrade. In addition to their Smith and Wesson hand guns, they hope urban rifles, a 2-23 Bushmaster, will help keep the peace.

"The patrol are the first group to get there. They're on the streets already when the call comes out," said Lieutenant David Roddy. "We can't afford to leave them there without the ability to address that while they wait on specialized units to come in with their equipment."

Authorities say there has been an alarming increase in public shootings. Modern day criminals are arming themselves with shoulder weapons. Law enforcement feels with a 2-23 rifle they'll be able to better protect and serve.

At the Chattanooga Police Department Firing Range, Roddy demonstrates how a shotgun with a buckshot round has nine projectiles, potentially hitting innocent bystanders.

"I couldn't tell you where those rounds would have hit, and to me that's a large concern for that officer trying to make that judgement call," said Roddy. "It's just not an effective round at extended distances."

This new urban rifle with tap rounds hits exactly on target, without projecting.

83 Chattanooga officers already have the rifles. The department used Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds to purchase 250 Bushmasters for more than $170,000. 

Don't expect to see patrol officers carrying them around everywhere they go. There is a strict policy as to when the rifles can be used.

"It's not like they're going to be getting these guns out on a normal run-of-the-mill call," said Assistant Mike Williams. "That's continually stressed during the training and also in the policy."

Officials say they hope they never need to use the riffles, but they're launching their training sessions just in case they need to. Officers start training on the rifles Thursday, and from there at least 16 will be distributed by this weekend.