California lawmen buying assault guns civilians can't
Associated Press / 12-22-11
Sacramento -- Peace officers throughout California have bought more than 7,600 assault weapons that are outlawed for civilians in the decade since state lawmakers allowed the practice, according to data obtained by the Associated Press after it was revealed that federal authorities are investigating illegal gun sales by law enforcement.
Investigators have not said what kinds of weapons were involved, but did say they were ones that officers can buy but civilians cannot. That category also can include certain types of handguns and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/21/BAOM1MFG7F.DTL#ixzz1hHJl77di
The article says California law allows any law enforcement officer, including prison guards, game wardens and school police (!), to use their own money to buy the weapons, provided they get permission from their departments.
Commander Andrew Smith of the L.A.P.D., as quoted in the article: "The idea is that these guys would be able to have these in the trunks of their police cars if they're needed."
I get this, but school police? Really?