Troopers training to carry submachine guns at Logan (MP-5's)

boston.com (old story, cached on Yahoo) ^ | 5/1/2003 | AP

[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.

[absalom01]

Worth repeating:

"Fifth, our militarized police units are the standing army our founders feared."

And my 2cents:

Sixth, the primary tactical advantage of full-auto or burst fire is to send lots of largely unaimed fire down-range in a big hurry, hoping to keep the bad guy's head down.

Seventh, point six makes life tough for any civilians who might happen to be in the viscinity. (But don't worry, we're only using pistol cartridges, so it's OK.)

I fly through Logan twice a month, and the thought of replacing the pot-bellied state troopers armed with sidearms, with pot-bellied state troupers with MP-5's does nothing to enhance my sense of safety.

[jdege]

I'd rather trust some 50-something, bald, pot-bellied machinist who hasn't heard a shot fired in anger since '72, than some 19-year-old kid straight out of the Police Academy.

There are lessons that life teaches that schools cannot, and in many situations, judgement is more important than stamina.

[eno_]

The Austrians use these little Steyr grease guns with two pistol grips.

[green team 1999]

all police departments are arming themselves like in the movie the matrix "guns,more guns",police are becoming a military force,with deadly results for the citizens.

police are arming like expecting an invasion of america.

[wardaddy]

I do not know....I got it in an e-mail from a friend just this morning under the title "friendly fire"...

Given the ethnicity, and brick work, and clothing...I'm guessing South America....Peru or Colombia.

The weapon is an FAL knockoff I think....don't recognize the patch.

Maybe Squantos will know....the helmet could be Guatemalan too. Colombia uses almost exclusively Spanish HK copies and US stuff and their headgear is different....I'm going with Peru.

[RIGHT IN SEATTLE]

Get a Class III, own one here in Nevada.

[green team 1999]

the los angeles police dept. got M-16`s from the national guard,have not been used at all,because they don`t needed.
sargents/supervisors carry it in the trunk of the cruiser with magazine on.

[green team 1999]

armor car guards carry semi-auto ar-15`s,shotguns etc,(they if they own it)but for inside the truck or by the door,otherwise a shotgun if going two inside bank to pick a large load,(can be high as 260,000 dollars cash)

[Squantos]

Oh My ..........that comes in a drum ?:o)......I'll take 55 "gal's" worth please !

Stay Safe WD !!

[wardaddy]

Horndog!

[Squantos]

Those are type "A" stalkers.....the wannabes at logan are type "Z" prey.........

I actually like overweight stooopid heavly armed PC hired rent a cops. That way I never have to bring my "own" gun. They ask me my name and I'll tell em to just call me Bwana and stay close.

Stay Safe

[PatrioticAmerican]

If machine guns are for killing lots of people quickly, why do the cops need them?

It seems like a few people saw too many movies growing up..wait...they haven't grown up.

[PatrioticAmerican]

"and yes, I was a handful as a child."

good. Proves you're not French. (hehe)

[PatrioticAmerican]

Nice babe. The girls isn't bad looking, either.

[wardaddy]

I love that pic...glad they are on our side. It'd make a great poster.

A number of the SF guys(Afghan Theatre) come from the group near here at Campbell...I've seen the awards ceremonies on local tv....these fellows are not 19-22 year old Roosters

Most are 30-40 year old NCOs and a few junior officers...one NCO I saw recently was my age...45.

Does an old fart good.

[PhilDragoo]

Crocodile dyke Janet Reno told the eunuch to kidnap the free boy and deliver him to the banana dictator.

He's only following orders.

So give him a blindfold and a cigarette.

The cigarette should be lit and applied to 200 locations on his exposed skin.

Don't need no stinking H & K MP-5.

[Squantos]

45 ??? Yer still a pup WD ! You can take a lot more hits before yer an old fart !

LOL............Stay Safe WD !!

[wardaddy]

It's from: Gulf Coast Armory. Her name is "Monica"....she likes guns....class III apparently. Good Girl.

This link: here for many babes with guns.