In the Inner City of St. Louis there are constant gang wars going on, much like Chicago. It is not unusual to see one or more shootings reported each day in the local paper. Thankfully, this is pretty much relegated to the north side of the city and a few northern suburbs.

But I haven't been aware of any added firepower to STLPD. AAMOF, they were planning to auction off 30 Thompsons a year ago that they had stored since the 1960s, with the idea that the funds generated would allow them to purchase new weapons.These were leftovers from the 1930s, and I don't know if that ever happened. TTBOMK, officers in the city are still carrying Beretta 9mm (DAO?) pistols, most of which are 15 or so years old, and they are not issued any type of rifle. The rank and file have asked to carry personal rifles, but I don't know if that has ever been approved. Basically, the gang bangers have them outgunned with their AKs, etc. I do know that the City Council rejected a PD budget request for $1.4 million to rearm the force a year or so ago.

I'm glad I live outside of the City of St. Louis!

Harvey