A lot of talk here from gasbags who know little to nothing about police work. That’s not their fault, but cops who read your comments can only shake their heads in wonderment at how little the average citizen knows about big city policing.
For example, to: “The simple fact is that a large part of the city is criminalized and gangs are totally entrenched in many areas, socially as well as economically. So giving the cops autoweaposn and repealing stupid gun laws will not solve the core problem, GANGS!”
To a street cop, the REAL core problem is how to go home safe at the end of the day. We’re already outnumbered by several hundred to one (at least) by the gangs. When I run into a two-legged gang animal with an AK, or a four-legged animal like a pit bull or a cougar, I’d rather have a rifle than a 9mm popgun.
And to: “In the meantime, I’m gonna offer some well intended advice to everybody. Whenever you see a cop with either his sidearm drawn or carrying an assault rifle, your best move is to find some cover and get behind it because they’re more likely to cap you than they are the badguy.”
Seeking cover is good advice but your comment after it is untrue, stupid and betrays your hatred and fear of the police. Not to worry, though, little man. We’ll protect you anyway. Any concrete examples of where the Chicago PD has hit more good guys than bad guys? I didn’t think so, because there AREN’T ANY! Turn off your TV and get into the real world. I carry a gun to help make sure I go home safe to my family every morning. I’m an expert with it, and I practice frequently. On my beat, I have it out of my holster each night on many traffic stops and on some calls. Just having it out deters a lot of problems because shitheads know I’ll use it. (I have and I always hit what I was aiming at!)
Most U.S. suburban departments adjacent to big cities either issue rifles & shotguns or allows officers to carry their own. Chicago would be merely catching up to the norm. (But you can all relax. Daley was just blowing smoke – he will never spend the money.)
