HAMPTON, Va. (WTVR) — Police in Hampton will soon be carrying assault rifles.
The city just approved funding for its police department to buy AR-15 tactical rifles for all of its patrol officers.
“I know we’ve been seeking to purchase these weapons since 2009,” said Sgt. Jason Price with Hampton police. “However, I can tell you in the last year there has been a tremendous increase in violence.”
The department said the weapons give the officer the ability to shoot faster in an emergency and that the weapons offer a more accurate shot.
