Posted on 05/09/2003 1:28:28 PM PDT by Teacher317
Troopers training to carry submachine guns at Logan
By Associated Press, 5/1/2003 10:04
BOSTON (AP) A specially trained state police unit will begin patrolling Logan International Airport with submachine guns next month, making the airport the first in the country to use such heavy weaponry.
The Massachusetts Port Authority, which oversees Logan, has purchased 30 of the guns for $2,500 each. The MP-5's have 30-round clips and a two-round burst capacity, which allows two shots to be fired automatically with one push of the trigger.
Massport Chief Executive Officer Craig Coy said the new weaponry, which will be deployed in June, will act as a deterrent to terrorism.
''It's part of an overall system, an overall approach, to make sure that we have the resources in place, that we have the training in place, that we have the right people in place, and that we have the right equipment in place,'' Coy said.
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, which were carried out with the help of two planes hijacked from Logan, the airport has prided itself on its aggressive pursuit of security improvements. It was the first in the country to have an in-line baggage screen plan approved by the Transportation Security Administration and the first to use several forms of high-tech security technology.
National Guard officers deployed to American airports after the attacks were armed with submachine guns, but this will be the first time they are used as a permanent part of an airport's security force.
Coy predicted that the presence of the guns, which have long been used at European airports, would bring peace of mind to the traveling public.
''I think there's going to be the sense of comfort knowing that we have well-trained people there with the right equipment,'' Coy said.
Members of the special Anti-Terrorism Unit, which is made up of members of the state police troop stationed at Logan, will receive intensive training to become certified on use of the MP-5's. Training includes live-fire drills, night firing and special tactics.
The MP-5's are outfitted with a noise suppressor units so they'll create less alarm among travelers if they're used. The guns are also designed for accuracy in indoor environments.
I saw an Indianapolis City police officer openly carrying an AR-15 variant downtown last month. There was no convention in town, no crowd, no crime in progress... just walking around the sidewalks with his partner and his assault rifle. I couldn't see if his finger was on the trigger, but it sure was close. I don't know if I would have had the guts to yell at him if he had, but it surely would have made me emotionally-charged.
Now, since Boston's PD has an team that can carry the MP-5 (which I would sell my beloved motorcycle to own, but sadly is only available to uniformed citizens), I would venture to guess that they'll be a feature of every metropolitan force within 10 years. Police departments tend to have competition issues.
Could someone please remind us what the definition of a police state is again? If it isn't casual open carry of assault weapons by the authorities that the ordinary citizen, if found with the exact same item, would be left to rot in a federal penitentiary for holding... then it's certainly a step along the path!
I can't believe that FReepers didn't post this story last week!
To be honest, one of the main reasons I say that I want one is because it is forbidden... and yes, I was a handful as a child. ;^)
I saw them in Europe too, and I was proud that as an American (at the time) we didn't do that sort of thing.
I'm less proud now.
It ain't HEAVY....it is fast. Typical reporter who has never been to a range. Now if they were carrying the MP-10, chambered in 10mm, THAT would be heavy.
Show over substance, that is all this is.
A town nearby had an armored car employee get killed in a shootout last summer in a shopping mall parking lot. About a week later I was driving by a Wendy’s and a Loomis-Fargo truck was parked in their lot and a guard was standing next to it holding what looked for all the world like a CAR-15.
That might not have been what it was. I only saw one once, long ago, and it looked like a stubby M-16 to me.
Anyhow, I thought that was a strange sight – especially in CA.
We don't. Terrorists don't attack airports. They sneak through them and attack airplanes. What help would these have been on 9-11?
It's all show, so the sheep feel safe and dominated. Its nothing but more than continued militarization of police forces.
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